What does Toyota recommend checking tire pressure with?
Tire pressure should be checked with a tire pressure gauge to ensure accurate readings. Toyota emphasizes using a gauge to measure cold tire pressure and to compare it with the specification shown on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual.
In practice, Toyota advises drivers to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, use a tire pressure gauge (digital or analog), and inflate or deflate to the recommended cold inflation pressure listed for their vehicle. Relying on the TPMS light alone is not a substitute for a precise gauge reading, especially when temperatures change or tires are loaded for travel.
Tools Toyota endorses for tire pressure checks
To ensure accuracy, use a tire pressure gauge. The most common and reliable options are digital gauges and dial (analog) gauges. Both types are suitable as long as they are calibrated and used correctly.
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- Dial (analog) tire pressure gauge
Either gauge type should read in psi and be used to verify that each tire meets the vehicle’s recommended inflation pressure on the placard or in the owner’s manual.
How to check tire pressure with a gauge
Follow these steps to check each tire using a tire pressure gauge. Always check tires when they are cold and use the correct pressure from the vehicle’s placard or manual.
- Ensure the vehicle has been stationary for several hours, so the tires are cold before taking a reading.
- Locate the recommended cold tire pressure on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual for your model and tire size.
- Remove the valve stem cap from the tire you are checking.
- Firmly place the tire pressure gauge on the valve stem and read the pressure: digital gauges display a number; dial gauges point to a needle.
- If the pressure is too low, add air using an air compressor until you reach the recommended value. If it’s too high, release air until the gauge shows the correct pressure.
- Re-cap the valve stem securely after finishing each tire.
- Repeat the process for all tires, including the spare if your manual specifies checking it.
- After completing inflation adjustments, recheck all tires to confirm they are at the recommended pressure.
Using a gauge and following these steps helps maintain safety, fuel efficiency, and even tire wear across your Toyota vehicle. If you notice persistent pressure loss, inspect tires and valves for damage and consult a Toyota service center as needed.
Relying on TPMS vs. manual gauge readings
What TPMS does
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides an alert when a tire is under-inflated but does not give an exact psi value. It is a warning system, not a replacement for measuring actual pressure with a gauge.
When to trust a gauge
Always verify the exact tire pressure with a gauge, especially after temperature changes, seasonal shifts, or after receiving a TPMS warning. A manual check ensures you know the precise pressure and can adjust accordingly.
Summary
For accurate tire pressure checks, Toyota recommends using a tire pressure gauge (digital or analog) to measure cold tires and inflate to the specification shown on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual. TPMS alerts are helpful reminders but do not replace manual gauge readings. Regular checks, proper inflation, and attention to the correct pressure help enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
Does Toyota have a tire pressure monitoring system?
One way to make sure your vehicle is ready for all of your adventures is by maintaining the correct tire pressure. Many modern Toyota models are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to help you ensure your tire pressures are correct when you're on the Long Beach roads.
What tire pressure does Toyota recommend?
between 32 psi to 35 psi
Recommended Tire Pressure for Toyotas
Passenger Toyota cars usually recommend between 32 psi to 35 psi, but ensure you know the correct psi for your specific model. Newer cars usually have a sticker on the inside of the driver's door that lists the recommended tire pressure.
How do you check tire pressure on a Toyota dashboard?
To check the tire pressure on a Toyota dashboard, navigate the multi-information display using the steering wheel controls to find the "Car Information" or "Tire Pressure" menu. For older models, a yellow horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation mark will illuminate when pressure is critically low. Many newer models display the PSI for each tire on the dashboard, or through a connected Toyota app if you have a Service Connect subscription.
This video demonstrates how to navigate through the multi-information display to check your tire pressure: 44sSteve CliffordYouTube · Feb 5, 2024
For modern Toyotas with a display
- Locate the multi-information display, which is typically in the instrument cluster.
- Use the arrow or "OK" buttons on your steering wheel to scroll through the menus.
- Find the "Car Information" or "Tire Pressure" menu.
- The display will show the current pressure for each tire, or a warning message if one is low.
For older Toyotas
- Look for a yellow warning light on your dashboard that looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation mark in the center.
- This light indicates that one or more tires have critically low air pressure, and you should add air as soon as possible.
To get an exact reading
- Find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. This is usually on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure when the tires are cold (before driving).
- Unscrew the valve cap, press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem, and read the PSI.
Should I use 32 or 35 tire pressure?
For most cars, the recommended tire pressure is between 32 and 35 psi, and you should use the pressure listed on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. The correct pressure can vary by vehicle, and the pressure on the tire's sidewall is a maximum, not the recommended value. Using the correct pressure ensures proper handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life, while using the wrong pressure can cause poor handling, reduced traction, and premature wear.
How to find the right pressure
- Check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle.
- Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation.
- Note that the pressure should be checked when the tires are cold (before driving).
- Don't use the pressure listed on the tire's sidewall, as this is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your car.
Why the correct pressure is important
- Too low: Can lead to poor fuel economy, premature tire wear, and a higher risk of tire failure.
- Too high: Can cause reduced traction, an uncomfortable ride, and rapid, uneven tire wear.
- Correct pressure: Optimizes handling, safety, and fuel efficiency, and helps your tires last longer.
