What Should My Tyre Pressure Be?




Recommended Tyre Pressure

The recommended pressure for your tyres can be found in your vehicle handbook, or alternatively, it should be visible on the inside of the driver side door. In some cases, your tyre pressure may also be printed on the inside of your petrol tank flap.

For optimal performance, your vehicle manufacturer may recommend that your front and rear tyres are maintained at slightly different pressures.

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 1 pound per square inch (psi) 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. Take a reading when the tyres are cold. Tyres get warmer as you drive which can affect the reading. First thing in the morning is usually the best time to check.
  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. Some gauges give readings in both bar and psi. Make sure yours is on the correct setting. 
  5. Put more air in or out 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 or puncture.

 







When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?

It’s important to check your tyre pressure regularly, because tyres lose pressure all the time.

Even in ideal conditions they lose about 0.069 bar or 1 pound per square inch (psi) per month – and that’s a figure that rises with the temperature.

It is recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, studying the tyre for signs of:

  • Uneven tread wear
  • Bulging
  • Low pressure
  • Condition of sidewalls (no missing chunks)
  • Any objects lodged into the tread

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

How Does Tyre Pressure Affect Fuel Consumption?

No matter what kind of tyres you have, you need to keep them properly inflated to get the best possible fuel consumption. Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption anywhere between 0.6% and 3%*. The more underinflated your tyres are, the more fuel you'll use. But it’s also important to be aware that under-inflation can cause damage, meaning you may need to fork out sooner than you’d like on replacing them. Many vehicles are now fitted with electronic tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to help keep an eye on this. That said, pressures should still be checked manually with a pressure gauge. 

To find the right pressure for your vehicle's tyres, take a look either in your handbook or at the sticker on the inside of the driver-side door. But remember, don't go by the maximum pressure reading on the side of your tyre. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. By ensuring your tyres have the manufacturer recommended pressures will ensure you benefit from optimum fuel consumption – under-inflation can also affect the rolling resistance of the vehicle.

Rolling resistance is essentially the effort needed to keep a tyre rolling. A high rolling resistance tyre means your engine will need to work harder to keep your wheels moving. If you’re looking to save fuel, it's important to look – or perhaps even ask at your local garage for tyres with low rolling resistance, which is identified by a rating on the EU Tyre Label, similar to those found on white goods. These tyres are manufactured with advanced rubber compound formulations and innovative tread patterns to achieve the desired effect. 

*Source: fueleconomy.gov   




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