2004 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 277

When to Check Check your tires once a month or more. Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa). Tire Pressure Monitor System The tire inflation monitor system detects differences in tire rotation speeds that are caused by changes in tire pressure. The system can alert you if a tire is low - but it does not replace normal tire maintenance. See Tires on page 5-57. When the LOW TIRE light comes on the instrument panel, stop as soon as you can and check all the tires for damage. If a tire is flat, see If a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-74. Also, check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as possible. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64. In order for the tire inflation system to function properly, the vehicle must be driven between 45 and 90 minutes before the system determines the tire pressure in each tire. The driving time may be longer depending on an individual's driving habits. The data does not have to be accumulated during a single trip. Once determined, the system will store the tire pressures until the system is reset. How to Check Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they're underinflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the recommended amount. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. 5-65