Under-inflated tyres are a major cause of blowouts, poor fuel economy, and premature wear. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your pressures correct.
Tyre pressure is the most frequently neglected aspect of vehicle maintenance — and one of the most important. The consequences of driving on incorrectly inflated tyres range from reduced fuel efficiency to catastrophic blowouts. Yet checking tyre pressure takes less than five minutes.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters
Your tyres support the entire weight of your vehicle. They do so through air pressure — specifically, the column of air contained within the tyre. When the pressure is correct, the tyre maintains its designed shape, and contact with the road is optimised.
Under-inflated tyres spread and flex more than they should. This generates excess heat, accelerates tread wear on the shoulders, reduces handling responsiveness, and significantly increases blowout risk — particularly at motorway speeds.
Over-inflated tyres are harder and less flexible. They wear faster in the centre of the tread, provide less grip (especially in wet conditions), and are more vulnerable to impact damage from potholes.
What Pressure Should Your Tyres Be?
Your vehicle's correct tyre pressure is listed in the owner's handbook and on a sticker inside the driver's door frame (or sometimes the fuel cap). Pressures are given in PSI (pounds per square inch) or bar. Most passenger cars run between 28 and 36 PSI depending on the vehicle and whether you're travelling with a full load.
When to Check
Check tyre pressure at least once a month, and always before a long journey. Check when the tyres are cold — driving heats the air inside the tyres and gives a higher reading.
TPMS: Don't Rely on It Alone
Many modern vehicles have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when pressure drops significantly. But this is a late warning — by the time TPMS triggers, you may already be 10 PSI below the recommended level. Regular manual checks are still essential.
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