Measure at the right time
Check pressure when tires are cold and use the vehicle manufacturer's specified pressure on the door placard or manual, not the maximum printed on the tire. Transport Canada notes that pressure can change with temperature. A dashboard warning is a prompt to check all tires, including one that may have a slow leak.
Recheck through the season
Pressure can shift again during strong temperature swings. Look for damage and uneven wear when checking the gauge. If one tire repeatedly loses air, have it inspected instead of repeatedly topping it up without finding the cause.
After a cold snap
If the low-pressure light appears the morning after a temperature drop, use a gauge on cold tires and compare each reading with the vehicle's door label. Inflate correctly, then recheck over the next few days. One tire continuing to lose pressure needs an inspection for a puncture or valve problem.
Quick check
- Read the door placard
- Check tires cold
- Inspect repeated pressure loss
General educational content, reviewed September 28, 2026. Rules, availability and policy wording can change. Confirm current details with the linked authority or a licensed insurer or broker.