What Should My Tyre Pressure Be?

According to Highways England, only 1 out of 6 drivers checked their tyre pressure before setting out on a long journey. Improperly inflated tyres are responsible for 1 out of 5 motorway breakdowns. Almost 1/3 of drivers confessed that they lack confidence in checking tyre pressure. Do you want to know the correct tyre pressure for your car? 

If you're asking, what should my tyre pressure be, you're in the right place. Not only do properly inflated tyres help improve fuel economy, but they also benefit your vehicle's braking and handling. Plus, an under-inflated or over-inflated tyre can cause uneven wear on the treads which could result in a flat tyre or even a blowout. 

Tyre pressure is an important and often overlooked part of car maintenance. Learn how to keep your car tyres at the ideal psi (pounds per square inch) with our easy guide.

Discover everything you need to know about inflated tyre pressure, without a costly trip to a car mechanic. Read on to find out more.

What is Tyre Pressure?

Tyre pressure is the measurement of air that's inside a tyre. It's measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and cars usually have different psi readings for the front and back tyres. The higher the psi, the harder your tyre will be; while a lower psi means softer tyres. 

Ideally, you should aim to keep your car tyre pressure at the psi level recommended by your car manufacturer. You can find this information in the manual, or on a sticker placed inside the driver's side door frame or glovebox. If you don't have access to these resources, use an online tyre pressure calculator for guidance.

Benefits of a Correctly Inflated Tyre

Making sure your tyre pressure is correct has several benefits. Properly inflated tyres can:

• Improve fuel economy
• Enhance the vehicle’s braking and handling capabilities
• Provide better grip on wet or icy roads (for more traction)
• Prolong the life of your car tyres by preventing uneven wear

Factors that Affect Tyre Pressure

The ambient temperature, speed and road conditions can all affect tyre pressure. The colder the temperature, the lower the tyre pressure – seasons and the shift between them can make a big difference.

Similarly, travelling at high speeds with your tyres underinflated can cause them to heat up more quickly and could lead to a blowout. 

What Should My Tyre Pressure Be?

This differs depending on the vehicle, and the size of tyres fitted to that vehicle. Tyre pressure will also vary if you're carrying a heavy load.

Your tyre pressure should be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommended psi. So, it’s best to check your vehicle manual or online calculator for guidance.

For small to average passenger cars, it's recommended to have tyre pressures between 32 psi to 35 psi when they are cold. The reason behind checking tyre pressure when cold is that the friction between the road and the tyres causes the temperature and air pressure to increase as you drive.

If you need to carry a heavy load in your vehicle, you should increase the tyre pressure to support the weight. Check the owner's manual or tyre sidewall for the maximum recommended PSI and calculate the additional weight your vehicle will carry.

Calculating Your Tyre Pressure

The best way to work out what tyre pressure you need is to refer to your manufactures manual. You can also use an online calculator to tell you how many psi you need to inflate your tyre - you might also like our handy tool over here

How to Check Your Car's Tyre Pressure

After understanding what your car's pressure should be, here our easy-to-follow guide on how you should check the pressure of your tyres.

Preparation

Before you get started, make sure that you have all of the materials necessary to check your car’s tyre pressure. You will need a tyre pressure gauge, a torch, and an air compressor (if needed). If you don't have one, many roadside petrol stations have a machine that can be used for very little cost, sometimes even free!

Locate Your Tyre’s PSI Rating

The manufacturer's recommended PSI should be written somewhere on your car, either on the door pillars or the owner's manual. It’s important to note that this rating is based on the tyre pressure when cold.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Using the tyre pressure gauge, check the pressure of each wheel. If the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended PSI, fill it up with an air compressor until it reaches the recommended level.

Increase Tyre Pressure

Connect the air hose from the compressor to the valve stem on your tyres and turn it on. Make sure you check with your owner's manual for the maximum recommended PSI given your current use case and inflate each tyre until it reaches the recommended level.

Check Tyre Pressure Again

Once you have inflated your tyres, it is important to re-check the pressure with a tyre pressure gauge. This will let you know if you need to add more air or if the pressure is too high. Be sure to double-check each wheel and make necessary adjustments accordingly.

Disconnect the Air Hose

Once you have filled each tyre with the correct PSI, make sure to disconnect the air hose from your tyre's valve stem. You'd be surprised how many people drive off with things still attached!

Need Help With Your Tyre Pressure?

Tyre pressure is an important aspect of car maintenance. It not only improves the way your car handles on the road but also improves the life of your tyres. We've covered a lot of information to help you answer what should my tyre pressure be.

If you require new tyres for your vehicle then Tyre Runner can provide the perfect solution. With their online search, you’ll find replacement tyres instantly and get back on the road in no time at all! Visit the site today for an instant solution.