Correct tyre pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. This comprehensive tyre pressure guide for UK drivers covers everything you need to know.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the most important and easiest things you can do for your vehicle's safety and efficiency. Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption and causes the tyre to overheat — potentially leading to a blowout. They also handle and brake poorly in wet conditions and wear unevenly on the outer edges.
Over-inflated tyres are equally problematic. They reduce the contact patch between the tyre and the road, compromising grip and braking performance. They also wear more quickly in the centre and give a harsher ride, increasing the risk of damage from potholes and road debris.
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle is set by the manufacturer and will be different for front and rear tyres, and may vary depending on the load being carried. You can find the correct pressures in your vehicle's owner manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or fuel filler flap, or by looking up your registration on a tyre retailer's website.
Tyre pressure is measured in either PSI (pounds per square inch) or Bar. Most passenger cars in the UK run between 28 and 36 PSI (1.9 to 2.5 Bar), though this varies. Always check your pressures when the tyres are cold — the pressure rises when tyres are warm from driving, which can give a misleadingly high reading.
Tyres naturally lose approximately 1-2 PSI per month through normal permeation, so checking your tyre pressure once a month and before long journeys is good practice. Most petrol stations have air machines where you can check and inflate your tyres — some are free, others charge a small fee.
If you find a tyre that repeatedly loses pressure, it may have a slow puncture. Contact Tech Mobile Tyres for a professional inspection and repair or replacement at your location, any time of day or night.
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