How to Inspect Tires on a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best selling family sedans on the market. It's important that you inspect your tires every 3,000 miles to prevent accidents and improve gas mileage. Remember, when you improve gas mileage, you save money on gasoline.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire pressure gauge

1. • 1

     Check your tires' pressure (PSI) by inserting a tire pressure gauge into the tire's valve stem (the nozzle on the side of the tire) when it's colder outside and you haven't used the SUV for a few hours. Press the gauge down until you don't hear a hiss of air. Note the reading. Check the sticker on the driver's side door to find out what the maximum PSI should be. Newer models of the Toyota Corolla have a low pressure indicator on the dash.

   • 2

     Add or subtract air to your tires if your PSI indicates it. You can add air with a pump at a gas station or one you purchase at an auto repair store. To subtract air, press on the metal stem in the valve. Once you add or subtract air from tires, don't forget to double-check the PSI again.

   • 3

     Verify the tires are wearing evenly. Uneven wear on the edges or in the middle of the tires may indicate over or under inflation. If you notice feathering or odd wear along the edges, the tires may need replacement and realignment. Consider rotating the tires if you notice wear in the same spots on all the tires.

   • 4

     Look at the tires for damage, cracking, bulges or nails and other objects embedded in the tires. These can cause a flat tire. Replace or repair tires as needed.

   • 5

     Examine the tread. Take a penny and insert it into the tire groove with Lincoln's head upside-down. If you see all of Lincoln's head, the tire's too worn and needs replacing. You can also look for tires for tire wear bars-bars in the tires across the treads. If you see these, the tread has worn down and tire needs replacing.

   • 6

     Replace any needed tires with the correct sizes. In general, the correct size tires are P185/65R15, P195/65R15, P195/55R16 or P175/65R14 depending on the year of your Toyota Corolla.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect all the tires including the spare.

• Never inflate your tires beyond the PSI noted on the sticker in your SUV.

• Do not look on the wall of the tire for the correct PSI. Always go with your vehicle owner manual's recommendations.