How to Inspect Tires on a Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a very popular midsize family sedan. To improve your gas mileage, make sure you check your tire pressure every 3,000 miles. You should also visually inspect your tires to prevent accidents.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Tire pressure gauge

1. • 1

     Inspect the 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. You can also inspect tread by taking a penny and inserting 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.

   • 2

     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.

   • 3

     Examine the tires for uneven wear. 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

     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. Add or subtract air as needed. Newer models of the Toyota Camry will let you know with an indicator on the dash when the tire pressure is too low.

   • 5

     Replace any needed tires with the correct size tires and verify any previous owners have put the correct size tires on your Toyota Camry. In general, the correct size tires are P215/60R16, P215/55R17, P235/45R18, P205/65R15, P235/45R18, P205/60R16 or P195/70R14 depending on the year of your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect all 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.