A Guide to BMW Tire Pressure: What to Know

The recommended tire pressure for most BMW models like the 3 Series sedan and X2 SUV is 32 PSI (pounds per square inch). That having been said, you should always defer to what your owner’s manual says about what your specific BMW tire pressure should be. Your tires may also come with guidelines about an acceptable filling range, as measured in PSI. Ready to learn more? Read on, or head over to our service center! Need new tires? You can buy BMW parts & accessories online!

Here’s Why the Right Tire Pressure is Essential

Correctly inflated tires on your BMW can:

1. Reduce the risk of flat tires or blowouts.
2. Extend the life of your tires by decreasing wheel spin and friction.
3. Improve fuel efficiency by up to 3.3% (per the U.S. Department of Energy).

Here’s How to Check Tire Pressure in Seven Steps

The vast majority of new BMW models for sale here at BMW of Sterling now come equipped with a digital tire pressure monitor on the dashboard to tell you right away if the pressure is low. Measuring when your tires are cold is better than measuring when they’re hot from use/friction. Be sure to follow the below steps for checking the tire pressure in your BMW:

1. Take the valve stem cap off and place it somewhere safe where it won’t get lost/run over.
2. Insert a tire gauge onto the tire valve stem and press down firmly.
3. The gauge will display the pressure reading in PSI. If it's at 32 PSI, you are good. That said, we do recommend filling all tires to the same PSI rating.
4. Remove the gauge.
5. If you have more than the recommended PSI, let some of the air out by pressing down the center plunger in the valve stem. Next read the tire pressure again. 
6. If the PSI is below what’s recommended, add enough air to bring it up to the recommended level. 
7. Replace the valve stem cap.

It’s a good idea to go to a gas station or local BMW certified service center like ours in Sterling, VA to get your tire pressure checked routinely. Don't forget to check your BMW spare tire every 6 months to a year as well!

Tire Care Tips for Safer DC Metro Area Commutes

1. Be sure to inspect your tires on a routine basis for tread wear or cracks in the sidewalls. 
2. If your tires regularly lose air pressure, it could be a slow leak that should be addressed immediately.
3. Keep up to date with the recommended tire rotation and wheel alignment schedule in your BMW owner’s manual maintenance schedule. 
4. If the outside temperature drops quickly, your tire pressure will drop as well, and the warning light may go on. Add air at your earliest convenience when this happens. 

Expert BMW Tire Care is Available at BMW of Sterling

Check out our service specials now to save more on routine tire maintenance in Sterling, VA. Ready to get your tires or tire pressure inspected? Schedule a service appointment online now.