Checking your tire pressure

Tire pressure

Tyre pressure can affect your car’s handling, turning, braking and fuel efficiency. A tire 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 tires 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 tire 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 tire.

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 tires are cool because tires 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 tire’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 tire.
8. Check each tire. If your tire pressure is dropping too much, ask your garage for help. It could be because of ill-fitting rims or a faulty valve.