Dodge Tire Pressure Guide

Your tires are the only part of your Dodge Charger or Durango that come into contact with the road, so maintaining them properly is critical. High-performing tires can improve your gas mileage, keep you safe, and ensure your Dodge handles at its best. In contrast, underinflated or poorly maintained tires can reduce your fuel efficiency by 1 or 2 mpg. Luckily, keeping your tires in good condition doesn't have to be a chore. At Campbell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR), our Dodge experts can help you with tips on how to care for your Challenger or Hornet's tires and wheels.

Why Tire Pressure Matters

Performance is one of the key reasons why maintaining the correct tire pressure is so important. With proper air in your tires, you'll achieve optimal handling and acceleration on city roads and highways. This is because your tires will maintain perfect grip on the road without creating too much friction. Your ideal tire pressure may vary slightly depending on the vehicle you drive and the surface you're traveling on. For example, if you take your Dodge SUV off the beaten track, you may prefer lower tire pressure for improved grip on trails or rough terrain.

Tire pressure also has a significant impact on fuel economy. Your Dodge crossover or sedan will drive more efficiently if friction is reduced to a minimum. If you fail to regularly check and maintain your tire pressure, your tires can gradually deflate over time. Lower tire pressure leads to increased resistance when your tires hit the tarmac, which forces your vehicle to work harder to accelerate and, consequently, use more fuel.

Finally, having the right tire pressure is key for your own safety. Well-maintained tires have the best grip and handling, especially during braking or evasive maneuvers in emergencies. Neglected tires may cause you to lose control just when you need to avoid a hazard. Low-pressure tires can compromise your braking system, make it tougher to turn corners, and generally leave you with less control over your Dodge.

Recommended Tire Pressure

The best way to find the recommended tire pressure for your Dodge is to check your owner's manual, which will give you the most accurate figure based on your vehicle type and trim level. Alternatively, you can check the placard that's usually located on the driver's door or in the glovebox. As a rough guide, many vehicles have a tire pressure of around 35 psi, but a lower pressure is advised for off-roading.

A common mistake is to look on the tire wall for the recommended tire pressure. The tire sidewall provides details about tire size, which is useful for replacement, and shows the maximum pressure the tire can handle. However, you should never inflate your tires to this maximum level — it's included purely as a safety measure. Generally, driving with overinflated tires increases the risk of a blowout and reduces your Dodge's grip on the road.

How To Check Your Dodge's Tire Pressure

Checking your tire pressure is a relatively easy task. All you'll need is a tire pressure gauge, which you can pick up at a hardware store or your local Dodge dealership. Follow the instructions on your pressure gauge to measure the pressure on each tire, and remember to include your spare tire if your Dodge has one.

It's also important to measure your tire pressure when your tires are cold, which means waiting at least 10 minutes after coming to a stop. Cold tires provide the most accurate reading, as warm tires will display a higher pressure.

Tips for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

The best way to ensure your Dodge has the right tire pressure is to check them on a regular basis. We recommend measuring your tire pressure around once a month. Certain factors, such as a drop in temperature when summer turns to fall, can quickly reduce your tire pressure, as air is more compact when it's cool. As a result, you'll usually need to top up your tire pressure before the colder months set in.

Signs Your Tire Pressure Might Be Off

Beyond testing your tires with a pressure gauge, there are several signs that may indicate your tire pressure is incorrect. If you notice your Charger's fuel efficiency dropping by a few miles per gallon, it's worth checking your tire pressure for underinflation. You may also experience reduced performance when you're behind the wheel, including poor steering or a lack of grip, which could be related to under- or overinflated tires.

Visual inspections can also help you determine the condition of your tires. Look for any signs of damage or excessive wear. Tires usually have a life span of about five or six years but may need replacing sooner, depending on your driving and maintenance habits. If you have any doubts about your tires' condition, it's best to do a pressure test or stop by your local Dodge dealership.

Get Your Tires Checked at Campbell CDJR in Benton

Maintaining your tires and sticking to the right pressure are key tasks to protect your Dodge's performance and safety. At Campbell CDJR in Benton, we're here to help with tire rotations and replacements and can diagnose issues such as reduced gas mileage. Schedule a service appointment today, and let our professional auto technicians handle the rest.