How To Check Tyre Pressure

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Inflating car tyres to the correct tyre pressure helps improve fuel economy, road ride and safety.

Car tyres are designed to meet manufacturers' requirements and recommended pressures and loads. This varies from vehicle type and auto parts store. The specified tyre pressures are usually found on the driver's door frame. If not, look in the car's handbook. Always follow the recommended tyre pressure on the tyre placard for your tyres to maintain optimum performance of your vehicle and get more kilometres per tank of fuel even on moderate speed. A full-size spare is included with new cars, but if yours didn't come with one or you need a replacement, make sure it has air occasionally and is the correct size for your car.

How do I use a pressure gauge to check tyre pressure?

There are three steps to check tyre pressures with a gauge.

First, make sure that the tyres are cold. Cold tyres will give you the most accurate readings of their pressure levels.

Second, remove the dust caps located on the wheel valves and fit the tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the tyre valve stem, tightening it. Check the air pressure levels against the tyre placard on the sidewall of your tyre.

Lastly, release any excess pressure using your gauge by pushing on the end of it, which will let air escape from the wheel valve stem. Then remember to replace your wheel dust cap securely. Depending on how often you drive, inflated front and rear tyres lose about 1 PSI per month so check them regularly to ensure they are at their optimum inflation pressure levels for safety, fuel economy and a long lifespan.

What is a good tyre pressure for a passenger car?

Somewhere between 30-35 PSI is normally a good range for a passenger car but check your manual.

What are the dangers of over-inflated tyres?

Over-inflated tyres are more likely to sustain damage, as the centre of the tyre's tread is not in contact with the road. Furthermore, over-inflation will lead to an increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in tyre life.

What are the dangers of under-inflated tyres?

Under-inflation causes increased driving noise, irregular wear and poor car handling. Generally speaking, over 4 to 5 PSI is the difference between safe driving conditions and unsafe driving conditions. As a result, under-inflated tyres are extremely dangerous as they will cause accidents. Not only that but under-inflation reduces tyre life by increasing tread wear which can lead to hazardous tire failure or blowouts, eventually leading to an accident or injury.

What are some signs that your tyre pressure is too low?

These include bulging sidewalls, an underperforming steering or braking system, worn down treads or vibrations while driving over 70 km/h. Also, if drivers notice the vehicle pulling strongly one way or another when driving straight on flat roads, it is recommendable to have the wheels balanced as soon as possible.

How often should I check tyre pressure?

Once a month is a good time period. This will not only benefit the vehicle's optimum fuel economy but also its safety. Most flats happen due to low pressure, which can lead to blowouts and accidents if you do not check tire pressure frequently.

Why does the weather affect tyre pressure?

The weather affects tyre pressure as it does with the temperature. Colder temperatures cause tyres to contract, which reduces their internal pressure. Warmer temperatures will cause tyres to expand, increasing their internal pressure. Therefore, tyre pressures should be adjusted according to the seasons and time of day for maximum safety. If you are concerned about a flat tyre, run flats are an effective solution.

Where can I find the recommended tyre pressure for my vehicle?

Usually in your vehicle owner's manual or on the driver-side door frame. In some vehicles it is usually located inside the glove box or the fuel filler cap. If you cannot locate it there, don't hesitate to ask a mechanic to a service station. It can sometimes be located on the tyre's sidewall.

How do I properly inflate my car tyre?

The easiest way is to use an air compressor, usually located at a petrol station. The device has a long flexible arm with a digital or analog readout. Make sure to insert the device firmly onto the valve cap, securing the air hose as tight as possible without damaging it. Once it is secured, press on the pump's trigger and maintain pressure from the air compressor hose until you meet the tyre pressure recommended level. It is advisable to check your tyre pressure at least once a month or whenever you feel an underperformance in your new car such as steering or braking system.

What are tyre pressure warning systems?

Tyre pressure digital gauge warning systems are aimed at reducing the number of deaths caused by low tyre pressure. These devices tend to be GPS-based, working on a transmitter/receiver system that alerts the driver when their tyres are underinflated. Manufacturers tend to equip cars with this kind of technology nowadays. For example, BMWs have an iDrive software that can tell drivers if they need to inflate their tyres according to the external temperature and speed travelled along with other useful information for maintaining proper inflation levels.

Why is tyre pressure so important?

Tyre pressure is so important because it has a direct influence on car safety as well as fuel economy and tyre life. If tyres are underinflated for a long duration, not only will it decrease the uneven wear of the tyre but also increase fuel consumption which is bad for both your wallet and the environment.

What does PSI mean?

PSI stands for pounds per square inch, the unit that measures tyre pressure. It is measured on a digital or analogue gauge which can be purchased at most car parts retailers. PSI is used because it is the most accurate method of measuring tyre pressure.

Do different tyres need different tyre pressures?

Yes, depending on the type of vehicle and tyre they are also subjected to different pressures. However, low-profile tyres tend to have lower pressure levels in order to maintain an optimal profile when running and prevent rolling resistance.

What causes tyres to lose air?

A few factors can cause tyre inflation to decrease. Things like driving over nails, thorns or warps in the road; water getting trapped inside the tyre on rainy days; running over debris causing pieces of it to pierce through the treads and most commonly simply losing air on its own due to excessive wear and tear. Do you need to recycle old car tyres? The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has a handy guide.