Care Guide

Tire Pressure

The tire inflation pressure is directly related to safety therefore must be checked regularly as correct maintenance can prolong the lifespan of the tires. Learn more about the importance of tire inflation pressure and how to check the pressure of your tires below.

Importance of Tire Pressure

Optimum air pressure should be maintained to ensure safety, driving performance, tire life and fuel cost.
Tires have been known to lose up to one pound per square inch (psi) every month. It is important to check all tires, even the spare, at least once a month or before a long trip.
Tire pressures should be checked at least once each month and before every long-distance trip.

Tire pressure and tire life

Recommended Interval

Tire pressures should be checked at least once each month and before every long-distance trip.

Tire Pressure Status

Low air pressure: It causes the contact patch width to increase, which results in excessive force on the either edge of the tread. Outer abrasion can damage each part of the tire. It also contributes to an increased slope of the sidewall compared to that of optimum air pressure, which can be dangerous.
High air pressure: Due to the inflated shape of the tire, like a balloon, the force is focused at the center. The resulting uneven force across the contact patch becomes the cause of irregular tread wear.

Checking for Optimum Tire Pressure

Hankook recommends that you check your tire pressure once each month.
The optimum air pressure level for your tire can be found on the inner side of the car door, or in the car manual (the location of the sticker can vary according to country).
The number on the tire sidewall means maximum tire pressure. Therefore, do not apply tire pressure above it.

Driver’s side door

How to Check Tire Pressure

Step 1

Purchase a certified air pressure gauge or take your vehicle to a nearby service center or fuel station for a check-up.
Step 2

Tires must be checked in a “cold” state (at least three hours after driving).
Step 3

Insert the gauge into the valve.
Step 4

Compare the measured air pressure level with the level listed on the car door.

* If the measured figure is higher release air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.
* If the measured figure is lower insert more air until the figure matches what is listed on the car door.