How Often Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure?
Correct tyre pressure is one of the simplest and most important aspects of vehicle maintenance. Here's how often to check, what pressures to use, and what happens if you get it wrong.
Tyre pressure is one of the most overlooked aspects of car maintenance in the UK, yet it has a direct impact on safety, fuel economy and tyre life. The AA estimates that around 30% of cars on UK roads have at least one significantly underinflated tyre at any given time.
You should check your tyre pressures at least once a month and always before a long motorway journey. Tyre pressure naturally decreases over time — even without a puncture — at a rate of approximately 1 PSI per month. Temperature changes also affect pressure: cold weather causes pressure to drop, so autumn and winter checks are especially important.
Your correct tyre pressure can be found in your vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Note that front and rear pressures often differ, and you'll need different pressures when carrying a full load. Never adjust pressure based on the maximum figure printed on the tyre sidewall — this is the maximum the tyre can hold, not the recommended operating pressure.
The consequences of incorrect tyre pressure are serious. Underinflation causes excessive heat build-up, increased tread wear on the outer edges, and sluggish handling. Overinflation reduces the tyre's contact patch with the road, resulting in reduced grip and uneven central tread wear. Both conditions also increase fuel consumption. Check and adjust your pressures regularly — it takes less than five minutes.
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