How to inflate car tyres
An underinflated car tyre could lead to a reduction in car performance, fuel economy and compromise safety on the road. It is vital to ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure before driving anywhere, to make sure they can function properly and won’t wear excessively.
This blog will discuss how you can find the correct tyre pressure for your tyres and how to inflate them.
How to find the tyre pressures for your car?
To quickly find tyre pressures for your vehicle, visit Tyre Pressures. Here, you can enter your registration number to determine what psi your tyres need in the front and rear. It is important to have your tyres inflated to the correct level, because if they are under or over-inflated then your tyres will wear quicker.
It is also important to have the correct tyre pressure because an incorrect pressure can decrease your fuel efficiency. Tyres will have to work harder if not running at the correct psi, and therefore will burn more fuel. It can also be very dangerous to run with incorrect tyre pressures, as your braking distance will increase due to a lack of grip.
How to check your tyre pressure?
New cars have a tyre monitoring system which will indicate if your tyre pressure drops. However, these do not always tell you what the exact pressure is, so you may still be slightly under or over-inflated.
An easy way to check tyre pressures manually is by using an air pressure gauge, which can be found in many retailers. Simply place the gauge on your tyre valve and it will display the current tyre pressure.
Another easy way to check tyre pressure is with a digital gauge. These work the same as a normal gauge but are slightly easier to use as they will display the tyre pressure in a digital format.
Alternatively, you can bring your car to your local National branch for a FREE tyre check. During this, we will check the tyre tread level, tyre pressure and tyre condition. To book your tyre check, click the link below.
Free Tyre Check
Foot pump
An easy way to inflate tyres is by using a foot pump. These can be found in many major retailers, and are easy to use. Simply attach the air hose to your tyre valve, and use the pump until you are at the correct pressure.
This method is slower than others, but it is a cost-efficient way of inflating your tyres at home. You may find that other pumps you have at home will fit on a tyre valve, but these will take a lot longer and may not display the tyre pressure on the pump.
Electric pump
Electric pumps are sometimes found in new cars that don’t carry a spare tyre. Instead, they will have an electric pump and sealant. This pump can be used without the sealant to inflate your tyres, as the sealant is only for temporary puncture repairs.
To use an electric pump, you will need a power source. Typically, electric pumps use the 12-volt plug found in cars. Once you’ve plugged the pump in, you can attach the nozzle to the tyre valve, and then proceed to turn it on. Electric pumps usually have a pressure indicator on them, so make sure you watch that to ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct level.
What are the risks of dangerous tyres?
Every year, dangerous tyres lead to around 5,000 convictions, 900 casualties, and 160 deaths or serious injuries. Not only that, but illegal tyres can actually end up costing you more than the price of a new set: you could face fines of up to £2500 and 3 points on your licence per illegal tyre, not to mention that if you're found to have illegal tyres in an accident, it can invalidate your insurance.
A free tyre check from National can make sure your four wheels are ready for the road. Book in now to stay safe on your journeys.
Book a Free Tyre Check
Want to know more about looking after your tyres? Check out our online tyre safety hub.
Find your local National branch
To have your tyre pressures checked for FREE, click the link below to book a check at your local National branch.
Tyre Check
If you have a puncture and would like to order new tyres for your car, click the link below.
Order Tyres
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