When is the best time to check tire pressure?

The best time to check tire pressure is when the tires are cold. Tire pressure is affected by temperature; as tires heat up during driving, the air inside expands, resulting in a higher pressure reading than the actual pressure when the tires are cold. Therefore, checking tire pressure after driving can lead to inaccurately high readings, which might mislead drivers into underinflating their tires.

When tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for a few hours and have not been exposed to the heat of driving or direct sunlight, the pressure readings will provide an accurate indication of the tire's inflation level. This practice ensures that the tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level, which is crucial for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

Checking tire pressure under other circumstances—like when they are warm from driving, have been in the sun, or anytime without regard to temperature—can lead to miscalculations and may compromise vehicle performance and safety.