In the UK, maintaining the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. It can be easy to slip into bad habits or get used to driving with the incorrect tyre pressure. Here’s what you need to know.
What tyre pressure do you need?
The right tyre pressure will depend on the vehicle make and model, the vehicle load and even the weather. It is important that you have a good idea of what your tyre pressure should be.
Vehicle Manual - The owner's manual will provide the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures.
Tyre information - Look for a tyre information placard, usually located on the driver's side door jamb, inside the fuel flap, or in the glove box. This placard will list the recommended pressures for different load conditions.
Online Resources - Many vehicle manufacturers provide tyre pressure information online.
Tyre Retailer Websites - Websites like Kwik Fit, Halfords, and others often have tools to look up tyre pressures based on vehicle make and model.
Typical Tyre Pressures – for cars, the usual range is from 30 to 35 psi (pounds per square inch) for passenger cars. Vans and campers or larger cars can be higher, often between 35 to 45 psi, depending on the load and tyre type, and motorbikes usually range from 28 to 40 psi, depending on the make, model, and tyre type.
How to check your tyre pressure
To check your tyre pressure, you will need a pressure gauge and an air compressor. If you don’t have these at home, you can go to your nearest petrol station or pop to your local garage or tyre specialist and ask them to check them for you.
Air expands when it is warm, so it is important that you check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. This means NOT checking your pressure straight after a long journey.
Cold Tyres: Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold, ideally after the car has been parked for a few hours.
- Remove Valve Cap: Unscrew the cap from the tyre valve.
- Attach Gauge: Firmly press the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem and read the pressure.
- Compare and Adjust: Compare the reading with the recommended pressure. Add air if the pressure is low, or release air if it's high.
- Recheck Pressure: After adjusting, recheck the pressure to ensure it’s correct.
- Replace Valve Cap: Screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
Accounting for the seasons
Tyres lose pressure in cold weather, so it’s essential to check and adjust more frequently during winter. Similarly, tyres may gain pressure in hot weather, but you should still check and make any adjustments when the tyres are cold.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is a simple yet crucial part of vehicle maintenance that ensures safety, efficiency, and comfort. Regular checks and adjustments can prevent many common tyre-related issues. For more tips and advice, follow Trust A Garage on X or Facebook.