Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for your Nissan’s safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can reduce traction, increase tire wear, lower fuel economy, and even lead to dangerous blowouts. To keep your Nissan running smoothly, follow these steps to check and set the correct tire pressure.

Step 1: Find Your Nissan’s Recommended Tire Pressure

Every Nissan vehicle has a recommended tire pressure listed in the owner’s manual and on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door jamb. This pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), varies between models, so make sure you’re referencing the correct specification for your specific vehicle and tire size. The front and rear tires may also have slightly different pressure recommendations.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

To check and adjust tire pressure, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. Digital gauges are highly accurate, but analog gauges work fine as well. If you don’t have one at home, many gas stations provide air pumps with built-in pressure gauges. However, these can sometimes be less accurate than personal gauges.

Step 3: Check Pressure When Tires Are Cold

Tire pressure naturally increases as the tires heat up from driving. To get the most accurate reading, check your Nissan’s tire pressure after the car has been parked for a few hours, preferably in the shade. Checking hot tires can lead to inaccurate readings.

Step 4: Check Each Tire

Remove the valve cap from one tire and press the pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem. You might hear a brief hiss — this is normal. Hold the gauge steady and note the pressure reading. Compare it to the recommended PSI. Repeat this process for all four tires.

Step 5: Adjust the Air Pressure

If any tires are underinflated, use an air compressor to add air in short bursts. Recheck the pressure after each addition to avoid overfilling. If a tire is overinflated, gently press the pin inside the valve stem to release air and recheck until the correct PSI is reached. Balanced pressure across all tires helps maintain even wear and consistent handling.

Step 6: Reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

If your Nissan is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the warning light should turn off after a few minutes of driving once all tires are set to the correct pressure. If the light stays on, there may be a faulty sensor or other issue that needs professional attention.

Visit Mentor Nissan for Professional Tire Care

While setting tire pressure is a simple task, tire health is about more than just air pressure. At Mentor Nissan, our certified technicians perform comprehensive tire inspections, including tread depth checks, rotations, and alignments, as part of our regular vehicle servicing and maintenance. Stop by Mentor Nissan for expert tire services, and while you’re here, browse our selection of new and pre-owned Nissan vehicles to find your next perfect ride.