Routine Tire Maintenance Tips

Tire pressure is the foundation of tire safety and performance. Understanding tire pressure is the foundation of all tire performance. Driving on even one under-inflated tire can increase fuel consumption, reduce grip, and lead to uneven wear, which drastically shortens the tire's life.

Where can I find the recommended pressure for my tires?

You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in two common places:

1. In your vehicle owner's manual.

2. On a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or on the fuel tank door.

It is a common mistake to use the pressure number moulded into the tire's sidewall. This number indicates the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle.

General guidelines

We recommend checking the pressure of all your tires, including the spare, at least once a month and always before you set out on a long trip.

For the most reliable results, check your tire pressure when the tires are "cold." This means in the morning, before you have driven, or after driving less than 2 kilometers at a low speed. If you must check when tires are hot, add 4-5 psi to the recommended pressure value. Never deflate a hot tire.

How do I check my tire pressure?

1. Firmly attach the gauge to the valve stem. It's normal to hear a slight hissing sound as air escapes, and this won't impact the tire pressure.

2. The gauge will show a number, which is the current PSI.

3. Compare this number to the recommended PSI for your vehicle. If the number is too high, let air out until it matches. If it's too low, add air until you reach the correct pressure.
   
   

A note on pressure gauges

If you use a pressure gauge at a gas station, be aware that it may not be perfectly accurate due to frequent use. We recommend purchasing a high-quality personal gauge and having it checked for accuracy by a tire professional.

Checking your pressure is the fastest and most important tire maintenance task you can perform.

You may have heard about filling your tires with nitrogen instead of regular compressed air. But what is the difference?

What is nitrogen?

Nitrogen is simply dry air with the oxygen removed. In fact, the compressed air traditionally used in tires already contains approximately 78% nitrogen.

Nitrogen vs compressed air

The main benefit of nitrogen in tires is that it is less likely to escape through the tire's rubber than oxygen. As a result, your tire pressure should remain stable for slightly longer.

However, it is not a complete solution. Air can still leak from other sources, like the tire/rim interface, the valve, or the wheel itself. Therefore, there is no guarantee of maintained pressure with either air or nitrogen.

If you have nitrogen-filled tires and your pressure is low, you can safely top them up with regular compressed air. Tires manufactured by Michelin are designed to deliver their expected performance whether inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as you respect the pressures recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Even if you use nitrogen, you must still check your tire pressure and perform simple tire maintenance checks frequently.

Three ways to check your tread depth

1. Use a tread depth gauge. A gauge is the most accurate tool. Ensure your car is either in park or in gear, and don't forget to engage the handbrake for safety. Check the depth of the main grooves in several places across and around the tire. In the Philippines, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.
   
   

2. Use the 1-peso test. It’s a common method for a quick estimate. Take a 1-peso coin and place it into one of the main tread grooves. For an old coin(1995–2017), if the tread does not cover the year at the bottom, your tire tread is likely near or below the legal limit, and you should visit a tire professional immediately. For a new coin(2018–present), if the image of Jose Rizal's from his chin down to the tip of the coin is covered, your tire tread is still in good condition. If it’s visible, it’s time to replace your tires. However, do not rely on the peso coin method solely to determine the tread depth. Some tires come with their own tread wear indicators.
   
   

3. Check the tread wear indicators. Tires have small, raised bars moulded into the base of the main grooves. For MICHELIN tires, these are marked by a Michelin Man figure on the sidewall. They are called tread wear indicators. As your tire wears down, the tread becomes level with these bars. When the tread surface is flush with these indicators, your tire is at the 1.6mm legal limit and must be replaced.

Regular tire care and maintenance are important for your safety and comfort on every drive, especially in challenging road and weather conditions in the Philippines.

By regularly checking your tire pressure, inspecting your tire tread, and relying on professionals for tire rotation, alignment, and balancing, you ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Whether you rely on the wet-weather safety of the MICHELIN Primacy SUV+ for your family SUV or enjoy the dynamic handling of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 5, this maintenance is important to getting their full potential.

If you have any doubts about the condition of your tires, we recommend you visit a certified professional. You can find a Michelin-approved tire dealer near you for an expert inspection.