Tyre pressure plays a bigger role in your car’s performance than many drivers realise. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect handling, braking, and fuel efficiency, while also increasing the risk of accidents. Checking your tyres regularly is a simple step that can save you money, extend tyre life, and keep every drive safer. In this article, we’ll show you how to check your tyre pressure correctly and highlight common mistakes to avoid, so you can drive with confidence.
Why Checking Tyre Pressure Matters
Even small variations in tyre pressure can affect your car more than you might think. Underinflated tyres make steering heavier, reduce grip, and increase stopping distances. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, can wear unevenly and make the ride harsher. By keeping tyres at the right pressure, you not only protect yourself and passengers but also improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tyres.
How Often Should You Check Your Tyres?
Knowing when to check tyre pressure is just as important as knowing how to do it.
- Monthly checks: Tyres naturally lose 1–2 psi per month, so a quick monthly check is a good habit.
- Before long trips: Checking before a road trip helps avoid unexpected issues on the road.
- Seasonal changes: Temperature fluctuations affect tyre pressure, so check more often during cold winters or hot summers.
Keeping up with these checks prevents small issues from becoming costly or dangerous.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Tyre Pressure
Checking your tyre pressure might seem simple, but doing it properly ensures your tyres last longer and your driving remains safe. Follow these steps for accurate results:
1. Gather Your Tools
Start with a reliable tyre pressure gauge, either digital or manual. Accuracy is crucial, so avoid inexpensive or worn-out gauges that might give inconsistent readings.
- Keep your gauge in the glove box, boot, or garage so it’s always within reach.
- Using your own gauge ensures you get consistent readings, even if a service station provides built-in gauges.
- Optional: Have a notebook or app handy to record tyre pressures over time, helping you spot trends or slow leaks.
2. Check Tyres When Cold
Tyres heat up while driving, causing the air inside to expand and giving a falsely high pressure reading. For the most accurate measurement, check your tyres first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for at least three to four hours. If you must check after driving, allow the tyres to cool down and avoid basing adjustments on hot readings.
3. Remove the Valve Cap and Measure
Unscrew the valve cap from each tyre and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem.
- For digital gauges, press until the reading stabilises.
- For manual gauges, make sure the measuring stick pops out fully to get a correct measurement.
- Listen for any hissing sounds; escaping air indicates the gauge isn’t properly seated.
4. Compare With Recommended Pressure
Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel flap for the recommended tyre pressure.
- Do not use the number printed on the tyre sidewall—it only indicates the maximum pressure the tyre can handle, not the operating pressure for safe driving.
- Check whether the pressure differs for front and rear tyres or if the vehicle is carrying extra load or towing, as this may require adjustment.
5. Adjust Pressure if Needed
If the reading is below the recommended level, add air using a service station compressor or a portable inflator. If it’s too high, release some air slowly.
- Inflate in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid over-inflation.
- After adjusting, drive a few kilometres and recheck the pressure. Tyres can settle, and minor adjustments may be needed.
6. Replace the Valve Cap
Always screw the valve cap back on tightly. The cap protects the valve from dirt, moisture, and debris that could cause leaks or inaccurate readings in the future.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
Even seasoned drivers can make errors when checking tyre pressure. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
Mistake 1: Checking Tyres When Hot
Checking immediately after driving can give an inflated reading. Always wait until tyres are cold to ensure accuracy.
Mistake 2: Relying on Visual Inspection
Tyres may appear properly inflated but could be under-pressured. Always use a gauge rather than trusting your eyes.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Seasonal Changes
Pressure drops in cold weather and rises in hot weather. Checking only occasionally may leave tyres over or underinflated, affecting handling and safety.
Mistake 4: Overinflating for Comfort
Some drivers overinflate tyres believing it improves ride quality. In reality, overinflation reduces grip, causes uneven central wear, and can make driving unsafe.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Spare Tyre
The spare tyre often gets overlooked. Check it periodically to ensure it’s at the recommended pressure, so you’re not left stranded during an emergency.
How Weather Affects Tyre Pressure
Temperature changes can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate. Hot weather warms up the tyres, temporarily increasing pressure, while cold weather can reduce it.
- Hot conditions: Tyres expand, so measurements taken after driving in the heat can be misleading. Always check in the cooler morning hours.
- Cold conditions: Pressure drops, which can make tyres underinflated. Frequent checks during winter mornings or before long journeys are a smart precaution.
- Wet conditions: Tyres with proper pressure maintain grip better and help prevent skidding or hydroplaning on slippery roads.
Regular monitoring and adjusting for the weather ensures safer handling in all conditions.
Tips for Accurate Tyre Pressure Checks
Making tyre pressure checks effective goes beyond simply using a gauge. Following these practical tips ensures consistency, accuracy, and safety:
- Use the same gauge each time – Different gauges can give slightly different readings. Sticking to one ensures you can reliably track changes over time.
- Record your measurements – Keep a small notebook in the glove box or use a smartphone app to log your tyre pressures. This helps you notice slow leaks or seasonal changes in pressure.
- Check all four tyres, plus the spare – Many drivers forget the spare until they need it. Keeping it properly inflated can prevent being stranded during an emergency.
- Adjust gradually and recheck – When adding or releasing air, do it in small amounts. Overcompensating in one go can result in overinflated or underinflated tyres. After adjusting, re-measure to ensure accuracy.
- Schedule regular checks – Make tyre pressure checks a monthly habit or align them with long trips, seasonal changes, or before towing a load.
Tyre Pressure and Vehicle Load
The weight your car carries can significantly impact tyre performance and safety. Adjusting tyre pressure according to load is essential:
- Light load: When your vehicle is carrying only the driver and minimal cargo, follow the standard manufacturer-recommended pressure.
- Heavy load or towing: Extra weight increases stress on your tyres. For heavier loads or towing, slightly higher pressures may be needed to maintain stability, handling, and even tyre lifespan.
- Check the manual: Always consult your vehicle manual for specific guidance. Some cars provide separate recommended pressures for different load conditions, so relying on the standard number alone may not be enough.
- Balance front and rear: Ensure both front and rear tyres are adjusted appropriately. Uneven pressure can affect handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
By keeping an eye on vehicle load and referring to a tyre pressure guide when needed, you’ll maintain safer, more efficient driving in all situations.
FAQs About Checking Tyre Pressure
Q: Can I tell if my tyre is underinflated without a gauge?
A: Visual checks aren’t reliable. Even tyres that look fine may be underinflated. Use a gauge for accuracy.
Q: Can I use the maximum pressure on the tyre?
A: No, that number is the maximum limit, not the recommended operating pressure. Always follow your vehicle’s manual.
Q: How much does pressure drop in cold weather?
A: Typically, tyres lose 1–2 psi for every 10°C drop in temperature.
Q: Is overinflation ever okay?
A: Overinflating reduces grip, increases central wear, and can make driving unsafe. Stick to the recommended pressure.
Wrapping Up
Regularly checking your tyre pressure is a quick and simple way to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. By following the correct steps, avoiding common mistakes, and adjusting for weather and load, you ensure safer driving, better fuel efficiency, and longer-lasting tyres. Make tyre checks a regular habit—before long trips, monthly, and during seasonal changes—to keep your car performing at its best.
