What should my tyre pressure be?
As lighter nights and warmer days begin to settle in, March marks the return of spring, road trips, and staycations away. However, with the arrival of spring comes the need to check your tyres for those longer journeys, particularly, your tyre pressure.
Tyre pressures are a very important part of tyre maintenance and should be checked regularly, but do you know what your tyre pressure should be?
Tyre pressure awareness is even more important this time of year, as temperatures often fluctuate between cold mornings and warmer afternoons. A 10°C difference can shift tyre pressure by roughly 1 PSI, meaning tyres inflated during winter require a pressure change.
Tyre pressure
It is estimated that 57% of UK motorists are driving on tyres under-inflated by 10% less than the manufacturer recommended amount, but many don’t realise how this affects their road handling.*
Where to find my recommended tyre pressure?
All vehicles have recommended tyre pressures, which can usually be found in your handbook, in the door sill or inside your fuel cap.
If you can’t find the tyre pressures for your vehicle, we have an easy-to-use tyre pressure look-up system online, simply enter your registration number into the search box at https://www.national.co.uk/information/check-your-tyre-pressures.
Please note, tyre pressures will need to be adjusted if your vehicle is fully laden.
How to check tyre pressure
If you have a tyre pressure gauge, you can check your tyre pressure at home:
1. Simply remove your valve cap.
2. Fix the tyre pressure gauge onto the tyre valve and the tyre pressure reading should appear on the gauge.
3. If you need to add more air, either do this with a foot pump or at your local petrol station.
Most petrol stations have tyre pressure stations, so you could check your tyre pressures after filling up. There is usually a charge for this service, but it doesn’t normally cost a lot of money.
Free tyre checks
We also offer FREE tyre pressure checks in all our National Tyres and Autocare branches. Alongside your tyre pressure, we'll check each of them for signs of punctures or low tread to keep you safe this spring.
Driving with underinflated tyres
Driving with underinflated tyres is dangerous and not advisable as low tyre pressure can:
- Worsen your road handling.
- Make steering more difficult round corners.
- Make your tyres overheat due to increased road friction.
- Increase your risk of a tyre blow-out or tyre related road accident.
- Cause rapid tyre wear, usually on the outside edges.
Driving with overinflated tyres
Overinflated tyres is very unsafe too as they can:
- Reduce traction and road grip.
- Cause uneven or accelerated tyre wear.
- Increase your risk of a tyre blow-out or road accident.
For a fresh start this season, explore our range of tyres for enhanced safety, road performance, and fuel efficiency. We've got new tyres from trusted brands, including extra-grippy summer tyres or reliable all-season tyres, to support you wherever you drive.
As warmer days roll around, ensure you and your passengers are as safe as can be while on the roads by taking the proper maintenance steps to care for your tyres. For safe and reliable travels, check your tyre pressure today or bring your vehicle to your local National Tyres for a range of free vehicle checks, tyre repairs, and servicing.
* Data found in The Motor Ombudsman June 2024.
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