Why Correct Tyre Pressure Matters
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest and most important things a driver can do. Under-inflated tyres generate excessive heat, wear faster on the outer edges, reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%, and increase the risk of a blowout. Over-inflated tyres wear faster in the centre, reduce the contact patch (reducing grip), and create a harsher ride with less ability to absorb road impacts.
Modern vehicles fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you when a tyre drops 25% below recommended pressure — but by that point, the tyre has already been running at a damaging pressure. Manual checks are still important.
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold — before driving or after only a short distance. Driving heats up the air inside, causing it to expand and give a falsely high reading. Use a reliable digital tyre pressure gauge — available from most motor factors for under £10 — or use the gauges at petrol station forecourts.
The correct pressures for your vehicle are found in the owner's manual and on a sticker inside the driver's door. Note that front and rear pressures may differ, and the recommended pressure may increase with a full vehicle load. Always check the spare wheel too if your vehicle has one.
What to Do If Pressure Is Low
If your tyre pressure is below the recommended level, inflate it and re-check. If a tyre repeatedly loses pressure, it has a slow puncture or a faulty valve — call Slick Mobile Tyres for a mobile inspection and puncture repair or valve replacement. Do not ignore a tyre that keeps losing pressure; it could fail suddenly at speed.
- Check pressures monthly and before long journeys
- Check when tyres are cold
- Front and rear pressures often differ
- Repeated pressure loss = slow puncture. Call us.