The importance of correct tyre pressure
Tyre pressure, measured in PSI or bar, tells you how much air is in your tyre. Whatever you pay for your tyres, how well they perform and how efficient they are depends on keeping the pressure right.
Why it matters
Wrong pressure changes how your car handles corners, lengthens braking distance and raises fuel use. Most importantly, it affects your safety and your passengers’ safety.
If you are unsure how to check, we can do it for you: call us to book your vehicle in.
Check every tyre monthly, including the spare, and before long journeys.
Under-inflation and over-inflation
- Under-inflation
- Pressure drops over time, so check regularly. A soft tyre makes uneven contact with the road. Left for long, it wears the inside and outside edges of the tread and shortens the tyre’s life. It also raises rolling resistance, which wastes fuel.
- Over-inflation
- Too much air wears the centre of the tread faster, because less of the tyre touches the road. It can reduce traction, lengthen braking distances and worsen handling.
How to check your tyre pressure
Find the right pressure
It is in your vehicle handbook. It is sometimes stamped on the driver’s door sill or inside the fuel cap. Different vehicles need different pressures.
Check when the tyres are cold
Or after a short journey of less than 2 miles. After longer than that, as a guide, add 4 to 5 psi to the recommended figure.
Allow for the load
A fully loaded vehicle needs more pressure than a car with only the driver. Your handbook gives the figures.
Use a gauge
Most petrol stations have one, or you can use a gauge at home.
Prefer not to do it yourself? We offer a tyre pressure check and safety inspection. See our services.