Driving with low tire pressure is not just a small problem. It can affect your safety, fuel efficiency, and the life of your tires. If your tire pressure warning light comes on, don’t ignore it! Here’s what you should know and do when that light pops up on your dashboard.

Is It Okay to Drive When Your Tire Pressure Light Is On?

When your tire pressure light comes on, it’s a warning that at least one of your tires may be significantly under-inflated. While you may be able to drive short distances, continuing to drive with low tire pressure can lead to:

Reduced Traction: Low pressure leads to less contact with the road. This can make it harder to control your vehicle, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to burn more fuel.

Increased Risk of Blowouts: Low pressure can cause your tires to overheat, leading to a higher risk of a blowout—especially at highway speeds.

So, it’s best to pull over safely, check your tires, and address the issue immediately.

How to Find the Recommended Pressure for Your Tires

Every vehicle has a recommended tire pressure range that ensures the best performance and safety. To find the right pressure for your car’s tires, check:

Inside the Driver’s Door: Many cars have a sticker on the driver’s side door. This sticker shows the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for the front and rear tires.

Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s manual will also have this information.

NOT On the Tire Itself: While the tire’s sidewall shows the maximum PSI for that tire, always check your vehicle’s recommended pressure for daily driving. The number on the tire is the maximum, not necessarily the optimal pressure for your specific vehicle.

How to Check Your Tire Pressure

You don’t need any fancy tools to check your tire pressure—just a simple tire pressure gauge will do. Here’s how:

Remove the Valve Cap: Unscrew the valve cap from your tire.

Press the Gauge to the Valve Stem: Make sure there’s a good seal between the gauge and the valve stem. If you don’t align it properly, you’ll hear a brief hiss of air.

Read the Gauge:* The reading should match your vehicle’s recommended PSI. If it’s lower, you’ll need to add air.

Adjust the Pressure: Add or release air as needed until you reach the recommended PSI.

NOTE*: Many convenience stores have air pumps, making this process even easier. They show the pressure in real-time while you fill your tires, then allow you to set the final tire pressure while displaying that pressure as you fill. Finally, they generally will alert you when your tire is up to the specified pressure.

Other Things to Know About Tire Pressure

Check Your Pressure Regularly: It’s a good habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month, or before any long trips. Fluctuating temperatures, especially during seasonal changes, can cause your tire pressure to drop.

Don’t Forget the Spare: It’s easy to overlook, but your spare tire needs to be properly inflated too. Check it at the same time as your other tires to avoid being caught off guard in case of a flat.

Cold Weather and Tire Pressure: When temperatures drop, the air inside your tires contracts, leading to a drop in pressure. This is why your tire pressure light might come on during the first cold snap of the season.

Need Help with Low Tire Pressure? Visit LOF Xpress™ Oil Change!

If you’re ever unsure about your tire pressure or need assistance, stop by LOF Xpress™ Oil Change. Our team can quickly check and adjust your tire pressure, ensuring you drive away safely and confidently. We even have a self-serve tire and washer fluid station at our Waukee location open during store hours.

Tire health is an essential part of car maintenance. Don’t let a little air cause big problems—get your tires checked today!