The Tire Pressure Number on Your Tires May Not Be the One You Should UseFirst for AutosWhitney DanhauerFri, September 11, 2026 at 5:07 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleIngram Publishing/Newscom/The Mega AgencyIf you're checking your car's tire pressure, you might assume the number printed on the side of the tire tells you how much air it needs. But that's not necessarily the number you should use.The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is determined by the automaker and is usually listed on a label inside the driver's side door or in the owner's manual.Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, better known as PSI. The number printed on the tire itself generally indicates the maximum pressure the tire can safely handle, not the recommended pressure for your particular vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration drivers should check their tire pressure at least once a month. Tires should be checked when they're cold, meaning the car hasn't recently been driven.Ingram Publishing/Newscom/The Mega AgencyWhile underinflated tires can lead to flats, they can also wear out faster, hurt the fuel economy and even affect how your vehicle drives.Temperature can also make a difference in tire pressure. The pressure typically drops as temperatures fall, which is one reason drivers might see their tire pressure warning light come on during colder months.Most newer vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts drivers when a tire is significantly underinflated. However, the NHTSA recommends checking the pressure manually rather than waiting for the warning light to appear.Read More From First For WomenMost Kids Are Moving Out of Booster Seats Too Soon, New Data ShowsHow Gas Pumps Know to Shut Off When a Vehicle's Tank Is FullDrivers Feel More Pain at the Pump as Gas Prices Climb to $4.28 a Gallon as Oil Tops $100AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story The Tire Pressure Number on Your Tires May Not Be the One You Should Use first appeared on First For Women. Add First For Women as a Preferred Source by clicking here.