How to Check your Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure has always been a big safety concern for motorists. And, particularly with the recent summer heatwaves, the Government has been pushing to make the public more aware of the risks of – and accidents caused by – not checking tyre pressure properly.

If you don’t check your tyre pressure accurately, or often enough, then you are at a much higher risk of compromised steering, ineffective braking, punctures, poor fuel efficiency, and blowouts.

So, to help you drive safe in these ever-changing weather conditions, we’ve created this guide to checking your tyre pressure and inflating your tyres.

What is Tyre Pressure?

Tyre pressure is a way of measuring the volume of air within each tyre. It denotes the volume of air within your tyre’s inner linings. This is usually measured by calculating the pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).

How to Inflate your Tyres at a Petrol Station

1 – Set the tyre pressure for your vehicle, you can find this in the passenger door, or your manual

2 – Remove the dust cap from all tyres

3 – Place the pressure gauge on the tyre’s valve stem, and then press down evenly

4 – Look at the pressure reading. This will tell you whether you need to alter your tyre pressure.

5 – The pump will automatically start to add air a bit of a time, if the pressure is too low

6 – Most machines will ‘beep’ when the pressure is reached, and won’t put anymore air in

Ensure to follow the same process for all of your car tyres (including the spare tyre). Most modern vehicles only have the tyre pressure warning light, and will not specify which tyre is low.

The majority of UK petrol stations offer facilities to help drivers check their tyre pressure and inflate their tyres.

Is Air Free at Petrol Stations?

Generally speaking, no. It can cost as little as 20p or up to £1. Best to check with the staff at the petrol station if you are unsure. It should have pricing on the machine itself. Most machines now take cardless payments.

You could choose to use a battery pump or a hand pump, which will allow you to complete these steps from home.

However, if possible, we recommend that you do this at a petrol station. This is because their equipment will give you a more precise, accurate reading of your tyre pressure.

How to Deflate your Tyres

Remove the cap from your tyre air valve, and with a flat head screwdriver, gently push the tip down onto the metal pin of the valve stem. This will release air from the tyres. Do this a bit at a time, checking the pressure change as you go.

What should my Tyre Pressure be?

Each vehicle has its own specific range of appropriate tyre pressure, which is stated by the vehicle manufacturer.

For instance, for a 2021 Ford Focus, the manufacturer recommends a minimum tyre pressure of 33psi.

You can find this value either on a sticker on the car’s bodywork (usually on the inside of your passenger side door), or in the owner’s handbook. Some vehicles will need higher tyre pressure depending on how many people are in the car.

It is your job to make sure that your tyres remain within this pressure range, and don’t drop below the minimum.

Signs your Tyre Pressure is too low

The most common indicators of low tyre pressure are:

• Low fuel economy, or a reduction in your usual fuel mileage

If you’ve noticed that a full tank of fuel isn’t lasting as long as it should.

• You find steering and alignment more difficult

If you feel that your car is more difficult to steer, that it is drifting or the alignment is off.

• A flapping noise, when you’re driving

If you hear your vehicle making any new, unusual noises when you’re driving.

• Your stopping distance changes

If your vehicle takes noticeably more or less time than usual to come to a stop.

• Your vehicle feels ‘spongy’ when driving

This sensation is caused by low tyre pressure, as the flatter tyres make driving feel softer or more ‘spongy’.

• Bumps feel more pronounced

If speed bumps or ridges create a more dramatic impact, this harsh drive tells you that your tyre pressure is too low.

Is it Illegal to Drive with Low Tyre Pressure?

Yes. It’s a legal requirement in the UK that all your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure (as mentioned in your manual), and need to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.

If stopped by the police, you could be issued with a hefty £2,000+ fine, and 3 points on your licence.

Why Tyre Pressure is Important (in all weather conditions)

Tyre pressure is hugely important, not just to the performance of your vehicle, but to keeping you and your passengers safe.

Regularly checking, and maintaining the correct, tyre pressure is important because:

– It reduces the risk of tyre punctures or blow outs
– It maintains optimum fuel efficiency – in fact, did you know that underinflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption by 5%?
– It keeps your brakes working as they should
– It ensures your steering and alignment are accurate
– It ensures your stopping distance is accurate
– It keeps your car driving at optimum performance
– It extends the lifespan of your tyres

And most importantly, the combination of all these factors means that maintaining the correct tyre pressure is a hugely important part of car safety.

In fact, 40% of car accidents are linked to underinflated tyres. So, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to maximise your vehicle safety.

If you have issues with your tyre pressure, and inflating your tyres is not solving the issue, be safe and book your car for a tyre check at your local garage. If you are in or around Essex, we have 14 garages across the area you can pop down to.

If you have any questions or concerns about tyre safety and performance, the Watling Tyres team is here to help.

Our professional team of tyre experts can provide you with their expert advice, ensuring that your tyres achieve their full lifespan and, most importantly, that your vehicle is as safe as possible.

So, to find out more about any of our specialist services, don’t hesitate to get in touch