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How To Use a Tire Pressure Gauge

Using a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure level of your vehicle’s tires is a simple maintenance task that takes very little time, and only requires a few simple steps and a tire pressure gauge. Whether you’re seeing a TPMS sensor light on your dash, notice a tire is looking low, or just want to make sure your tires are at the appropriate pressure level, here’s how to ensure your tires are safely inflated.

Tools & Supplies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Tools & Supplies for the Job

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Gloves Gloves

Tire Pressure Gauge Tire Pressure Gauge

Portable Tire Inflator Portable Tire Inflator

How Does the Wrong Tire Pressure Cause Problems?

tire inflation comparison

Your vehicle’s tire pressure is important, and it is possible for the air pressure in your tires to be either too high or too low. Though low tire pressure is more common than high tire pressure, both low pressure and high pressure can affect your vehicle’s ride and performance, as well as the longevity of the tires themselves.
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How Can I Know the Right Tire Pressure?

upclose markings on a tire

The ideal tire pressure level for OE tires is listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the driver’s door jam. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, or if you’ve installed different tires since you’ve owned your vehicle, all tires have their maximum tire pressure listed on the sidewall
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When Is Tire Pressure Too Low?

The only safe “low” tire pressure to drive on is one to five pounds below the recommended pressure for your specific tires. Here’s a breakdown of the effects of low tire pressure:


1-10 pounds below recommended pressure:

  • Decreased fuel efficiency
  • Decreased emergency handling and longer braking time
  • Increased and uneven tire wear
  • Shorter tire life

1-10 pounds 11-20 pounds below recommended pressure: recommended pressure:
All symptoms above, plus:

  • Skidding
  • Tires can be punctured more easily
  • Flexing side walls at high speeds or in turns
  • Fractured or broken tire laminations from heat and flexing
  • A disintegrating sidewall that can separate from the tire’s tread
  • A worn or low front tire may cause you to lose steering control, and could contribute to an accident

20 or more pounds below recommended pressure:
All symptoms above, plus:

  • Tire blowout or bead roll-off

How To Check For Tire Pressure

In order to check your tire pressure, all you’ll need is a tire pressure gauge. Tire pressure gauges come in three types: pencil-type, dial-type and digital. Some gauges come with a check valve that allows you to release air if there’s too much pressure.
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Remove stem cap and press tire pressure gauge to valve stem

Step 1: Install the Gauge on the Valve Stem

Remove the cap from the valve stem. Push the opening of the gauge straight onto the valve stem until you hear the hissing stop.
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Read tire pressure gauge

Step 2: Determine Whether It’s the Right Pressure

Compare the reading on the gauge to the recommended tire pressure.
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Re inflate tire with a portable tire inflator

Step 3: Add Air if Pressure is Low

If tire pressure is low, use compressed air at a convenience store or a portable tire inflator to fill the air to the recommended level.
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Letting air out of tire if tire pressure is too high

Step 4: Remove Air if Pressure is High

If tire pressure is high, use the check valve on the gauge or a flathead screwdriver to depress the valve stem pin to release air from the tire (be careful not to bend the pin).
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Step 5: Repeat These Steps for All Tires

Whether you’ve added or released air from the tire, use your gauge to double-check the pressure to make sure it matches the desired tire pressure level. Repeat these steps on each of the four tires. You may need a higher-pressure gauge to check the spare, since they usually need to be sixty psi, and most gauges stop at fifty.

Improve gas mileage, decrease wear, and prolong the life of your vehicle’s tires by maintaining the correct tire pressure levels. O’Reilly Auto Parts has informational videos and step-by-step instructions on How To Change A Flat Tire, How To Read Information On Your Tire, and How To Check Tire Tread, as well as the products you need, including analog and digital tire pressure gauges, portable tire inflators, tire sealant, valve stem caps that reflect the tire pressure levels, and more. Whether you are performing vehicle maintenance or have a more dire repair, O’Reilly Auto Parts has the resources, parts, and tools to help you stay safe while driving.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find my vehicle’s recommended tire pressure?

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the driver’s door jamb, or the sidewall of the tire.

Is it dangerous to drive with low tire pressure?

Yes, it can be dangerous to drive with low tire pressure, with results ranging from reduced fuel economy to a tire blowout.

What tools do I need to check my vehicle’s tire pressure?

All you’ll need is a tire pressure gauge. Tire pressure gauges come in three types: pencil-type, dial-type and digital.

What if my tire pressure is too high?

Use the check valve on your tire pressure gauge to release air, or if your gauge doesn’t have a check valve, use a flathead screwdriver to depress the valve stem.

Additional Resources

What Does My TPMS Light Mean?

What Does My TPMS Light Mean?
Why Are My Tires Low When It Gets Cold?

Why Are My Tires Low When It Gets Cold?
How to Read Your Tire’s Sidewall

How to Read Your Tire’s Sidewall

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.