Inflate.
Rotate.
Evaluate.

How to maintain your tires
A man measuring tire pressure with a tire gauge.

©2002

Why Tires Lose Pressure

Tires can lose on psi (pount per square inch) per month under normal conditions.
 Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10° F temperature drop.

A tire gauge; You lose 1 psi per month; You lose 1 psi per every 10 degree F drop.

Just a look won't do it. One of these tires is actually ten pounds underinflated. your eyes can decieve you, so rely on a good tire gauge for an accurate reading.


30psi
20psi

Look for the manufacturer's recommended air pressure listed on the stickers of your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual.

This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload on tires.
 Always check your air pressure to make sure it's up to standards, especially if you're carrying extra weight.

Red arrow; 2 SUV's one over loaded; These tires are 1230 pounds overloaded; this is equivalent to eight 150 lb. people.

Lower pressure increases heat.
 Infrared photography of tires tested at high speeds. Damaging heat increases inflation as pressure drops.

A red arrow showing infared photography of tires tested for high speed.

Air Pressure - Monthly Check

For accuracy, check your air pressure with a tire gauge when tires are cold.
 Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.

A man removing the tire valve cap.
a) Remove tire valve cap.		 A man placing the tire gauge over the valve.
b) Place the end of the tire gauge over the valve.		 A man measuring tire pressure with a tire gauge.
c) Press the tire gauge straight and firmly until the scale extends.		 A man adding air to the tire.
d) If needed, add air and recheck pressure with the tire gauge.		 A man replacing the tire valve cap.
e) Replace valve caps.

Tire Rotation

For maximum mileage, rotate your tires every 5,000 miles
 Follow the correct rotation patterns.

Front Wheel Drive vehicles: 2 front tires to the back; front tires diagonally to the front. Rear and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles: Back tires to the front; front tires diagonally to the back.

Note: Some tires are "directional". Your tires may need to be rotated front to back, not side to side. These tires should have an arrow on the sidewall pointing in the correct direction of the rotation.

Tire Wear - Visual Check

Check for obvious signs of wear.

Exposed tread bars (replace tire)
Exposed tread bars (replace)		 Irregular shoulder wear (have tire inspected)
Irregular shoulder wear (have inspected)		 Shoulder Wear (have tire inspected)
Shoulder wear (have inspected)		 Center Wear (have tire inspected)
Center wear (have inspected)

Place a penny in the tire as shown.
If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the treads are worn and need replacing.
A penny placed inside a tread of a tire.

Inflate.
Check your tire pressure monthly.

Rotate.
Rotate tires every 5,000 miles.

Evaluate.
Routinely look for signs of tread wear or damage.

Bridgestone-Firestone logo