Checking your tyre pressure

Tyre pressure

Tyre pressure can affect your car’s handling, turning, braking and fuel efficiency. A tyre at the wrong pressure will wear out faster and might put your safety at risk.

Check them regularly

It’s important to do this, because tyres lose pressure all the time.

Even in ideal conditions they lose about 0.069 bar or 6.9  Kpa per month – and that’s a figure that rises with the temperature.

So check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and while you’re at it have a good look at your treads.

If you don’t know what the recommended pressure is, you can find it in your owner’s manual or on the sidewall of your tyre.

How to check your pressure

1. Use a pressure gauge. Either buy one of your own or use one at your local garage.
2. Do it when tyres are cool because tyres heat up as you drive and that can affect your reading. Try first thing in the morning.
3. Unscrew the valve cap and place the gauge over the valve. Don’t worry if you hear a bit of hissing – that’s normal.
4. Read the pressure on the gauge and compare it with your tyre’s recommended bar or psi.
5. Put more air in if you need to, either using your own air compressor or by going to your local garage.
6. Re-check your pressure with the gauge and check against the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Replace the valve caps on each tyre.
8. Check each tyre. If your tyre pressure is dropping too much, ask your garage for help. It could be because of ill-fitting rims or a faulty valve.