Discover your correct tyre pressure by reg now:

Enter your vehicle registration number and use the tyre pressure calculator to find the recommended PSI for your car.

Check your car tyre pressure

Why is it important I check the tyre pressure for my car regularly?

Having the correct car tyre pressure is vital for your safety on the road. Low tyre pressure affects handling and grip, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour. Underinflated tyres are also more likely to suffer from a catastrophic failure or ‘blowout’, especially on high-speed motorway journeys.

Keeping your car tyre pressure at its optimum level also helps reduce the running costs of your vehicle. Underinflated tyres require a bigger force to make them turn, so your car uses more fuel. Additionally, having incorrect tyre pressure also means your tyres will wear out more quickly. Over inflated tyres round out the outer tread pattern, causing it to wear out more slowly than the centre of the tyre. Driving with low tyre pressure increases friction, as more of the tyre is in contact with the road, again reducing the amount of time your tyres will last.

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incorrect tyre pressures

How to check tyre pressure on your car?

It is important to ensure the tyre pressure on your vehicle is correct. Correct inflation pressure is vital for optimum braking and cornering performance and to maximise tyre service life. Recommended tyre inflation pressures for your vehicle under different operating conditions can be found in the vehicle handbook and/or on a placard mounted on the vehicle. In the absence of these sources of information you should consult the vehicle dealer or manufacturer. The TyreSafe YouTube channel also has a video on manually checking your tyre pressuresYou may find tyre pressures displayed in three units of measurement: PSI; Bar; kPa. Further explanation on these units can be found on our tyre pressure explained page.

Once you know what the correct PSI for your car tyres is, the easiest way to check your current tyre pressure is to use a tyre pressure gauge. Most petrol stations will have a tyre pressure gauge on the forecourt, however you can also buy a tyre pressure gauge to keep at home. The TyreSafe YouTube channel also has a video on manually checking your tyre pressures.

Disclaimer TyreSafe makes every effort to provide accurate tyre size and pressure information. However, the accuracy of data cannot be guaranteed and users should consult their vehicle handbook for full approved settings. Also, pressure recommendations may not take account of any wheel and or tyre size changes. Please ensure your car’s tyre size matches the given data before inflating your tyres to the recommended pressures. If in any doubt, please ask your vehicle manufacturer or consult with a TyreSafe recommended tyre dealer.

What should my tyre pressure be?

Recommended tyre inflation pressures for your vehicle under different operating conditions can be found in the vehicle handbook and/or on a placard mounted on the vehicle. In the absence of these sources of information you should consult the vehicle dealer or manufacturer. You may find tyre pressures displayed in three units of measurement: PSI; Bar; kPa. Further explanation on these units can be found on our tyre pressure explained page.

How does underinflation effect tyres?

If your tyre pressure is too low, or your vehicle experiences prolonged under-inflation causes excessive flexing, deterioration of the casing and rapid wear of the tread shoulders. The vehicle will also consume more fuel.

What to do if you have low tyre pressure?

If you have low tyre pressure, you’ll need to add more air to your car tyres. You should check pressures when the tyres are cold and before the vehicle has been driven for two miles.

Step 1: Remove the plastic valve stem cap.

Note: Make sure to keep it in a safe place while you reinflate your tyres.

Step 2: Use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the current pressure in your car tyres.

Step 3: If your tyre pressure is below recommended levels, use an air pump to increase the air.

This can be done either at home or in a service station. You should clamp the air pump to the valve stem and make sure it’s firmly in place. Once you’ve started filling the tyres, make sure to check your tyre pressure regularly to ensure they don’t become over inflated.

Once your tyres are at the correct pressure, replace the plastic cap over the valve stem.

How does over-inflation effect tyres?

Over-inflation will effect both handling and braking capabilities of the vehicle and results in an uncomfortable ride. The reduced contact area with the road accelerates wear on the tread centre, means tyres will need replacing more quickly.

When should tyre pressure be checked?

Tyre inflation pressure should be checked at least every month and before long journeys using an accurate pressure gauge regardless of whether the vehicle is fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or not. Pressure should be checked only when the tyre is cold since there is an increase in pressure when the tyre has warmed up after being run.

Caravan owners, use our caravan tyre pressure checker to find the correct PSI of your caravan tyres now.

When would you increase tyre pressure?

One instance where it is likely that you will need to increase your vehicle tyre pressure when travelling with a full set of passengers or luggage. The appropriate pressure will be listed in your vehicle handbook, door shut or filler cap.

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