How to Check Volkswagen Tire Pressure

Maintaining the correct Volkswagen tire pressure will bring out the best in your Atlas or Jetta on the Des Moines roads. Tire pressure contributes to the lifespan of your tires, your vehicle’s ride quality and handling, gas mileage, and more. That said, knowing how to check tire pressure is an important skill! 

Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the steps to test your VW tire pressure PSI, because the Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines service team is here to help. Read the guide below to learn more at your own pace, and contact us with any questions.

Where to Find Your VW Tire Pressure PSI

Before learning to check your tire pressure, you should know your model’s recommended VW tire pressure PSI. This figure can vary between vehicles and can be found in your owner’s manual or noted on the driver door jamb. 

Check Your Volkswagen Tire Pressure Digitally

Are you driving a newer model equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit? If your tire pressure is too low, your vehicle will display a warning that says “tire pressure is too low” on the digital cockpit display. When that happens, you can check the pressure for each tire on your central touchscreen:

1. On the main touchscreen display, tap “Vehicle.”
2. Tap “Status.”
3. Select “Tire Pressure.”
4. The screen will display the current tire pressure for all four tires.
5. If one or more of your tires are low, you can adjust them with an air compressor at home or use a gas station air pump. Check the tire pressure once more afterward to be sure you haven’t overfilled them—if you added too much air, release a small amount and re-check the pressure. Repeat until the tire pressure is correct. 

How to Check Tire Pressure with a Tire Pressure Gauge

You’ll need to manually check your tire pressure if you’re driving an older model in Waukee. Fortunately, it’s easy to do on your own! You just need a tire pressure gauge, which can be purchased at an auto parts store. Once you have a tire pressure gauge, follow these steps: 

1. Ensure your tires are cold to start.
2. If your front and rear tires have a different PSI, write them down on a piece of paper so you don’t get them mixed up. 
3. Remove the valve cap from the tire you want to start with. Place the tire pressure gauge on the valve stem and apply pressure until you no longer hear the hissing sound. If the tire pressure gauge is digital, it will show the tire pressure reading on a screen. If it’s non-digital, a small bar with measurement lines will push out of the other end of the gauge. Make a note of the PSI, replace the valve cap, and move on to the next tire.
4. Repeat step 3 for all tires. 
5. If any tires have low pressure, you can adjust them with an air compressor at home or use a gas station air pump. Check the tire pressure once more afterward to be sure you haven’t overfilled them—if you added too much air, release a small amount and re-check the pressure. Repeat until the tire pressure is correct. 

Get Help with Volkswagen Tire Pressure at Lithia Volkswagen of Des Moines

If you have additional questions about how to check tire pressure, call us at (866) 963-2153. You can also book a service appointment to have our team inspect your tires and ensure they’re safe for the West Des Moines roads. Looking for more tire tips? Check out our guide to VW tire sizes!