Checking the specified tire inflation pressure
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure and the correct tire size are listed on the tire and loading information label. Refer to this label when checking or adjusting the tires on your Toyota Tacoma.
Inspection and adjustment procedure
- Tire valve
- Tire pressure gauge
1. Remove the tire valve cap and place it somewhere clean where it will not be lost.
2. Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge firmly and squarely against the tire valve so that an accurate pressure reading can be obtained.
3. Read the tire inflation pressure from the graduations or pressure indication on the gauge.
4. Compare the measured pressure with the recommended cold tire inflation pressure. If the reading is outside the specified level, adjust the tire pressure accordingly.
If too much air has been added, press the center of the tire valve to release a small amount of air, then measure the pressure again until the correct value is reached.
5. After measuring and adjusting the tire inflation pressure, apply soapy water around the valve area and check carefully for signs of air leakage.
6. Reinstall the tire valve cap securely after the inspection and adjustment have been completed.
Tire inflation pressure check interval
Check the tire inflation pressure approximately every two weeks, or at least once each month. Include the spare tire in these routine inspections so that it is properly inflated and ready for use if needed.
Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Operating the Toyota Tacoma with tire inflation pressures that are too high or too low can adversely affect vehicle performance and may result in the following conditions:
- Reduced fuel economy due to increased or improper rolling resistance
- Reduced ride comfort and less predictable handling characteristics
- Shortened tire service life caused by accelerated or irregular tread wear
- Reduced overall driving safety
- Possible damage to drivetrain components
If one or more tires require frequent inflation, have them inspected by your Toyota dealer. Repeated pressure loss can indicate a leak or another condition that requires attention.
Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
For a reliable tire pressure reading, observe the following precautions whenever the tires are inspected:
- Measure tire inflation pressure only when the tires are cold.
If the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours, or has been driven no more than 1 mile (1.5 km), the tire temperature will generally allow an accurate cold inflation pressure reading.
- Always use a reliable tire pressure gauge when checking inflation pressure.
The appearance of a tire alone is not a dependable indication of whether it contains the correct amount of air, so visual inspection should not replace an actual pressure measurement.
- Tire inflation pressure normally rises after driving because the tires become warmer during vehicle operation. Do not release air from warm tires simply because the measured pressure is higher than the specified cold pressure.
- Never exceed the vehicle's specified capacity weight.
Distribute the combined weight of passengers and luggage appropriately so that the Toyota Tacoma remains properly balanced rather than carrying an excessive load in one area.
WARNING
Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Maintain all tires at the specified inflation pressure and check them regularly rather than relying only on their visible appearance.
If the tires are operated at incorrect inflation pressures, one or more of the following conditions may occur and could contribute to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
- Accelerated or excessive tire wear
- Uneven tread wear across the tire surface
- Poor or unpredictable vehicle handling
- Increased possibility of a blowout caused by excessive tire heat
- Air leakage between the tire bead and wheel
- Wheel deformation and/or structural tire damage
- A greater risk of tire damage when encountering road hazards, expansion joints, potholes, sharp road edges, or similar impacts
NOTICE
When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
After checking or adjusting tire pressure, always reinstall each tire valve cap securely.
Leaving a valve without its cap can allow dirt, dust, or moisture to enter the valve. Contamination may contribute to air leakage and gradually reduce the tire inflation pressure.
