How do you properly check trailer tire pressure?

Using a tire pressure gauge when the tires are cold is the correct method to check trailer tire pressure. This approach is essential because tire pressure changes with temperature; as tires heat up during driving, the air inside expands and can lead to inaccurate readings if checked while warm. Cold tires provide a stable baseline for measurement, allowing for an accurate assessment of the tire's pressure against the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

Pressing down on the tires with hands is not a reliable method to determine tire pressure, as it does not give a quantitative measurement and can lead to misjudgments on whether the tire is properly inflated. Driving a short distance to warm the tires is counterproductive for this purpose, as it only raises the temperature and thus the pressure, resulting in even less accurate readings. While visual inspections can help identify obvious issues like damage or wear, they do not provide the necessary information about the tire's internal pressure, which is critical for safety and performance. Properly checking tire pressure with a gauge ensures that trailers maintain optimal handling, stability, and safety on the road.