To use a tire pressure gauge correctly, follow these steps:

• Find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. This is the ideal cold tire pressure, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall

• Check tire pressure when tires are cold , ideally after the car has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than a mile at moderate speed. This ensures an accurate reading since heat increases tire pressure

• Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
• Attach the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem. Press down straight and firmly to form a tight seal, and hold it until the hissing sound of escaping air stops. This allows the gauge to register the correct pressure

• Read the pressure :
  • For digital gauges, the reading appears on the screen.
  • For pencil or stick gauges, a rod extends showing the pressure.
  • For dial gauges, the needle points to the pressure on the dial

• Compare the reading to the recommended pressure. If the pressure is too low, add air; if too high, release some air and recheck until it matches the recommended PSI

• Replace the valve cap securely after checking each tire

• Repeat for all tires , including the spare if applicable

Pressing the gauge firmly and holding it steady until the reading stabilizes is key to getting an accurate measurement. Checking tire pressure monthly and before long trips helps maintain safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity

. In summary, the process is: remove valve cap → press gauge firmly on valve → wait for stable reading → note pressure → adjust air if needed → replace valve cap