Why Correct Tyre Pressure Matters
Running tyres at incorrect pressure affects every aspect of tyre performance. Underinflated tyres generate excess heat through increased flexing of the sidewall, which accelerates wear, increases the risk of blowout, and significantly raises rolling resistance — meaning your engine has to work harder and burns more fuel. Overinflated tyres reduce the contact patch with the road, diminishing grip and making the tyre more susceptible to impact damage.
Incorrect tyre pressure also causes uneven tread wear, shortening the life of the tyre. Maintaining the correct pressure is one of the simplest and most effective things a driver can do to save money and stay safe.
How to Check and Adjust Your Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure should be checked cold — ideally before driving more than two miles — as driving causes the air inside the tyre to expand and the reading to increase. Most petrol stations offer air pumps with pressure gauges, and portable digital gauges are inexpensive and reliable for home use.
Pressures are expressed either in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR. Your vehicle's recommended pressures are found on the sticker inside the driver door jamb or in the vehicle handbook. Many vehicles specify different pressures for the front and rear axles, and a higher pressure setting when carrying a full load or towing.
How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
The recommendation from tyre safety organisations is to check pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. Tyres naturally lose a small amount of pressure over time — approximately one to two PSI per month — so even a tyre with no visible damage will gradually drop below the correct level if left unchecked.
If your vehicle is fitted with a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), do not rely on it as your only pressure check. TPMS systems are typically calibrated to alert you only when pressure is 25% below the recommended level — by which point significant damage may already be occurring.
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