How to Check Tyre Pressure: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your car safe, extend tyre life, and save money on fuel. Yet millions of UK drivers never check it. Here's everything you need to know.

What You Need

All you need is a tyre pressure gauge (available for under £5 at Halfords or Amazon) or you can use the free air machines at most petrol stations. Your car's recommended pressure is usually on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or in your owner's manual.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Tyre Pressure

1. Check when tyres are cold — drive for no more than 2 miles first, or check before driving. Hot tyres give falsely high readings.
2. Find the valve stem — it's the small rubber or metal nozzle on the inner rim of each wheel.
3. Remove the valve cap and keep it somewhere safe.
4. Press the gauge firmly onto the valve — you should get an instant PSI reading. Hissing means the gauge isn't seated properly.
5. Compare to the recommended PSI — found in your door jamb sticker or handbook.
6. Add or release air as needed — most petrol station machines add air automatically to the target pressure.
7. Replace the valve cap — don't skip this, it keeps dirt out of the valve.

How Often Should You Check?

The RAC recommends checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. Tyres naturally lose 1–2 PSI per month, so even a tyre in perfect condition will slowly go soft.

What Pressure Should My Tyres Be?

There is no universal answer — it varies by car and tyre size. Common ranges are 28–36 PSI for most cars. Rear tyres are sometimes inflated to a higher pressure than front tyres, especially when carrying a full load. Always use your car manufacturer's recommended pressure, not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall (that's the maximum, not the recommended).

Signs Your Tyre Pressure Is Low

• Car pulls to one side when driving straight
• Steering feels "heavy" or less responsive
• Fuel consumption increases noticeably
• Tyres look slightly flat visually (they may only be 10 PSI low)
• TPMS warning light illuminates on dashboard (usually at 25% below recommended)