How should tire inflation be checked?

Tire inflation should be checked with a tire gauge when the tires are cold. This is crucial because tire pressure increases as the tires heat up from driving, which can lead to an inaccurate reading if checked afterward. Cold tires give a more reliable measurement of the actual pressure that is needed for optimal performance and safety.

Using a tire gauge when the tires are cold ensures that you assess the baseline pressure without the influence of heat. This practice helps in maintaining proper inflation levels which are essential for safe handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

While a visual inspection can provide some indication of tire condition, it does not give an accurate measure of the tire pressure, which can only be properly assessed with a gauge. Measuring tire pressure while hot may result in overestimating the necessary inflation, as the heat from the tires can artificially inflate the reading. Simply measuring tire pressure in psi without the consideration of temperature (whether the tires are cold or hot) could lead to inaccuracies and potentially dangerous driving conditions.