How to calculate tyre pressure
How to calculate tyre pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safe driving all year round. Tyres that are underinflated or overinflated can increase the risk of accidents for all road users, particularly in poor driving conditions such as ice. In this article, we’ll explain the different ways to find the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle and how to check your current tyre pressure.
Dangerous tyres
According to Tyre Safe, dangerous tyres lead to a yearly average of 6,375 convictions, 2 million MOT failures, and 190 deaths or serious injuries. Illegal tyres can also be costly as you could face fines of up to £2500 per tyre and 3 points on your licence. In addition, if your vehicle has illegal tyres and you’re involved in an accident, your insurance could be invalidated.
Underinflated tyres increase the risk of blowouts, uneven wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. Overinflated tyres carry similar risks and can also reduce traction as the tyre struggles to grip the road, making it harder for your tyres to grip the road meaning there’s an increased risk of aquaplaning.
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Use our online tyre pressure checker
At National, we offer a quick and easy way to find the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle using our tyre pressure calculator. To calculate the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle, simply click the button below and enter your vehicle registration number.
Once confirmed, you’ll be able to view the recommended tyre pressure by reg for both your front tyres and rear tyres.
Check your tyre pressure
Please note, the tyre pressure data we use is supplied by the DVLA and HaynesPro. If your vehicle's tyres differ from the original factory fitment, then these results may vary slightly from those listed within the vehicle manufacturer's handbook.
How to find your required PSI
Alternatively, you can find out the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle by looking in your vehicle owner’s handbook. Typically, most standard car tyres should maintain a tyre pressure of around 30 – 35 PSI but be sure to check your vehicle for its specific requirements. Electric vehicles(EVs) often require higher tyre pressures due to their heavier batteries, which can create increased rolling resistance.
You can also find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle on a sticker located on the inside edge of either the driver’s or passenger’s door. This sticker clearly displays your car’s required tyre pressures and is sometimes also found on the inside of the fuel cap.
Check your current tyre pressure at National
If you want to check your current tyre pressure, you can visit your local National branch for a free tyre check. A free tyre check at National can ensure your tyres are safe and ready for the road. The free tyre check includes:
- Tyre pressure check and adjustment
- Tyre tread depth check
- General inspection
Both over-inflated and under-inflated tyres can negatively affect driving performance by wearing down the tyre tread unevenly. In some cases, improperly inflated tyres may become unsafe and even illegal to drive.
Book your free tyre check
Book a Free Safety Check
Safety checks are perfect for any drivers who haven't driven their car for an extended period and are looking for that extra peace of mind. During the free 5-point safety check, we inspect your headlights and brake lights, wiper blade and windscreen condition, battery health, and update you with your MOT due date.
Free safety checks are offered at all our branches and can be booked online.Once the safety check has been completed, you will receive feedback from the inspection via one of our branch staff.
To book a free safety check for your vehicle, including a tyre pressure check and adjustment if needed, please click on the button below.
Book a free safety check
Checking Tyre Pressures at Home/Work
If you want to know how to check tyre pressure, you can use either a tyre pressure gauge or a digital tyre inflator. These tools will allow you to measure and record the PSI of each tyre accurately.
Modern vehicles are often fitted with a TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), which alerts you via a warning light when tyre pressure is low. A TPMS provides you with reassurance and safety, without the need for constant manual checks. However, if there is a fault with your TPMS, it’s important to book in for a TPMS sensor valve service and replacement for trouble-free motoring. If your car falls into a set category, it can fail its next MOT if your TPMS is faulty.
Book a TPMS service
When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?
It’s best practice to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and always before a long journey. Tyres heat up after being driven and can give inaccurate readings immediately after you've driven on them. Regular checks extend the life of your tyres, decrease the chance of road accidents, and maintain an improved fuel economy - all saving you money in the long run.
Tyre Pressure FAQ's
To find out everything you need to know about tyre pressures, head to our Tyre Pressures FAQ page by clicking on the link below.
Explore FAQs
If you notice that your tyres are regularly losing pressure, then this could indicate that you have a slow puncture. Some punctures may be repairable if they're located of the centre 3/4 of the tyre.
Book a tyre puncture repair
Alternatively, if the tyre is unrepairable, you'll need to purchase a new tyre for your vehicle. At National, we stock a wide range of tyres to fit any budget. We also offer Payment Assist, both online and in-branch to allow our customers to spread the cost monthly. For the terms and conditions of Payment Assist, please click on the article below.
Read about our payment options
If you wake to a completely flat tyre, the quickest solution is to book a slot with our mobile tyre fitting service. We’ll come to you at your home or workplace for quick tyre repairs and replacements to get you driving again, without any disruption to your daily schedule.
Book a mobile tyre fitting
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