Running on incorrect tyre pressure costs you money and compromises safety. Here's a complete guide to finding and maintaining the right pressure for your vehicle.
Tyre pressure is one of the most important and most neglected aspects of car maintenance. Driving on under-inflated tyres increases fuel consumption by up to 3%, accelerates tyre wear dramatically, and reduces your vehicle's handling and braking performance. Over-inflation makes tyres more susceptible to impact damage and reduces the contact patch with the road. Getting the pressure right is simple, free, and critical.
Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressures are found in the owner's manual and on a sticker in the driver's door jamb. These are usually given in PSI (pounds per square inch) or bar, and will differ for front and rear tyres and for full versus part load. Always use the manufacturer's recommended pressures, not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre itself. The pressure printed on the tyre is a maximum limit, not a recommended level.
Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold – before driving or after the car has been parked for at least two hours. Pressure increases by around 4 PSI when tyres are warm, so checking after a long drive will give a falsely high reading. If your car is fitted with a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), it will warn you when pressure drops 25% below the recommended level – but don't wait for the warning light. Weekly visual checks and monthly gauge checks are best practice.
Top Tech Mobile Tyres includes a free tyre pressure check and adjustment with every fitting visit. Our TPMS diagnostics service can also read, reset, and reprogram TPMS sensors when new tyres are fitted. If your TPMS warning light is on in the Glasgow area, call 0141 673 5765 and let us come to you.
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