How should tire pressure be checked?

Checking tire pressure when the tires are cold is crucial for obtaining an accurate measurement. When tires are driven on, they heat up due to friction, which causes the air inside to expand and increases the pressure reading. This elevated pressure can lead to an inaccurate assessment of the tire's true state, potentially masking underinflation, which can lead to handling issues, tire wear, and even blowouts.

Cold tire pressure refers to the pressure measured when the tires have not been used for at least three hours or have been driven less than a mile. This ensures that the air temperature within the tire has stabilized, providing a true reading that reflects the tire's required inflation level as specified by the manufacturer.

The practice of checking tire pressure during maintenance is helpful but does not guarantee that pressure will be accurate if the tires have been warmed up prior to the check. Regular checks should ideally be performed when the tires are cold to maintain optimal tire performance, safety, and longevity.