How to check my van tyre pressures
Tyre pressures are an essential consideration that must be factored into the maintenance of any vehicle.
This is even more important when it comes to larger vehicles such as vans which, by definition, carry far heavier loads than a family car. However, not everyone is fully aware as to how they should check their tyre pressures and the effect upon safety and performance on the road.
Where do I start?
Firstly, it is important to have good quality tyres on the vehicle to ensure good performance and reliability. Some well-known brands include Bridgestone, Pirelli and Falken, however our tyre professionals will be more than happy to help you to determine which is best suited to your needs. Clearly, you need to have full confidence in your vehicle when it is in use and professional advice from our qualified fitters may be of value. They will be able to answer the question “How do I check my van tyre pressures?” for you, but we will also cover it here.
Tyre pressure tables are normally located either inside the driver’s door or inside the petrol/diesel cap and will be highlighted in the vehicle's owners manual. Consulting this table is the first step.
The pressure table will usually provide a range of ideal pressures, depending upon the average weight of your loads (and thus total vehicle weight).
Next, you can purchase a low-cost tyre pressure gauge from most automotive parts and accessory retailers, road safety organisations such as the AA or RAC and from a host of online sites. Years of experience tell us that these gauges will be calibrated out of the factory, but may become less accurate over time which is something to keep in mind.
Not sure what tyres you need for your van?
No problem! Book your van in for a Free Tyre Check at any of Protyre garage within our UK network.
Always remember that tyres must be cold when checking the pressure, otherwise, the heated air within will artificially increase the readings.
Now, remove the dust caps from the tyre valves and place them somewhere safe when you go to replace them later. Dust caps are notoriously easy to lose and our tyre professionals follow this rule without fail. These little caps are essential in ensuring the cleanliness and correct operation of the valve.
Attach your chosen pressure valve and check the reading. Tyres under pressure can be inflated using an air line at your local garage or with a foot pump if you have one. Over-inflated tyres can be deflated by pressing the pin in the centre of the tyre valve but do so gently and for no more than a couple of seconds before re-checking the pressure.
Once you are satisfied with the readings, replace your dust caps after checking they are as clean as possible.
Ongoing checks?
The next thing to do is to take your van for a test drive, checking for any changes in the handling of the vehicle. If everything feels okay, then all should be well. Otherwise, the expert team at your local Protyre garage will be more than happy to check your tyres without charge.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding any aspect of your vehicle's maintenance, including tyres, please don't hesitate to call into any of Protyre’s garages where a qualified technician will be more than happy to assist.
