Correct car tyre pressure is essential. Your tyres are the only contact between your vehicle and the road so are of vital importance with regard to vehicle safety.
There are several benefits to maintaining the correct tyre pressure for a car which include extending the life of your tyres and help your vehicle to run more economically, saving lives and money. It’s a simple task that we so often ignore as we rush about our busy daily lives.
Maintaining the correct air pressure in your car tyres
If tyre pressure is incorrect it will affect how your tyres sit on the road. Car tyres should have the largest possible surface area in contact with the road.
Overinflated tyres vs under-inflated tyres
If the tyres are under-inflated, the edges are the only area with adequate contact of the road, whereas over-inflated tyres maintain contact in the centre of the tyre only. This sacrifices grip on the road surface which in turn increases your braking distance – and let's not forget that under-inflated tyres have a tendency to overheat too – never a good thing!
Vehicle Economy
Tyres that are under- or overinflated will wear more quickly than tyres with the correct pressure due to their unbalanced contact with the road. Naturally, this results in the need to replace tyres more frequently, thereby costing you both valuable time and money when just a few minutes spent carrying out the necessary maintenance would have avoided any further action.
Incorrect tyre pressure increases fuel consumption
Under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance of the tyre, which has a negative effect on fuel consumption. Having the correct tyre pressure maintains optimum fuel efficiency which can lower the CO2 emissions of your vehicle – which is better for the environment too!
Air pressure varies on the type of tyre you have, vehicle and intended use. It’s calculated by measuring the amount of air in the inner lining of the tyre using pounds-force (PSI) or BAR pressure.
How much air should I put in my car tyres?
Your vehicle manufacturer determines the correct tyre pressure of your vehicle and displays this information on a small information sticker that can be found on the inside of your driver's door, or under the fuel cap, and will tell you the recommended tyre pressure for make and model of vehicle.
How often should I check car tyre pressure?
It's important to check your tyre pressure at least once a month – more if your mileage is particularly high – and you should always carry out these checks when the tyres are cold.
Weather conditions can affect tyre pressure
You'll need to check your tyres more frequently in warmer weather conditions and should always test them before a long journey. If you're using your vehicle to carry an additional load, consult your handbook to confirm the correct tyre pressure.
Check to see if your tyres need replacing
If you think your vehicle’s ride doesn’t seem quite right – it could be your tyres that need changing, but first, have them checked at a reputable garage or service centre as soon as possible to avoid further damage. They’ll then either confirm it is just a top-up of air that’s required or advise on a suitable tyre replacement for your particular vehicle.
