How to Check Your Tyre Pressure Correctly — Step-by-Step Guide

The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner's manual and is often also found on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or inside the fuel filler cap. Pressures are measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR, and the recommended value often differs between front and rear tyres, and can change with vehicle load.

To check tyre pressure, start with cold tyres — ideally before you have driven more than a mile, or after the car has been parked for at least two hours. Remove the valve dust cap, press a tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem, and read the measurement. Compare it against the manufacturer's recommended figure. Most petrol station air machines allow you to set a target pressure and will inflate or deflate to that level automatically.

Under-inflated tyres cause increased rolling resistance, higher fuel consumption, and excess heat build-up that accelerates tyre wear. Over-inflated tyres reduce the contact patch with the road, which impairs grip and ride comfort. Checking your pressures at least once a month takes very little time and can extend the life of your tyres considerably.