Why Tyre Pressure Matters

Tyre pressure affects everything from your fuel consumption to your braking distance. Tyres that are under-inflated have a larger contact patch with the road, which increases rolling resistance — meaning your engine has to work harder to maintain speed. Studies show that tyres under-inflated by 25% can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Under-inflation also causes tyres to overheat, accelerates tread wear on the outer shoulders, and increases the risk of a blowout. Over-inflation reduces the contact patch, making handling less predictable and causing excessive wear in the centre of the tread.

How to Check and Set Tyre Pressure

The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner's handbook and is usually also found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or on the fuel filler flap. Pressures are given in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR. Note that front and rear pressures are often different, and the recommended pressure may change depending on load.

Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold — driving heats the air inside the tyre and temporarily raises the pressure reading. Most petrol stations have air machines, or you can use a digital tyre pressure gauge at home.

TPMS: Does Your Car Warn You?

All new cars sold in the EU and UK since November 2014 must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If the TPMS warning light appears on your dashboard, check all four tyres immediately.

Bear in mind that TPMS typically only alerts you when pressure drops significantly — often 25% below the recommended level. Regular manual checks remain important for catching gradual pressure loss before it becomes a problem.