When Should You Inflate Your Tyres More?

By David Sholicar

It’s a question on the theory test, but do you know the answer: When should you inflate your tyres above the recommended pressure?

Inflate your tyres

According to the official answers, you should inflate your tyres more when driving fast for long distances and when carrying a heavy load. But over inflating your tyres at any other times can lead to trouble because running tyres on the wrong pressure for an extended period of time can cause the handling to change and the rubber to wear out more quickly.
 
If you don’t want to have to replace your tyres too often or avoid the risk of skidding when you brake, it’s important to inflate your tyres to the correct pressure for everyday driving.

Are you inflating your tyres correctly?

Ensuring that your tyres are correctly inflated helps them to last longer and handle better for increased safety when you drive. You’ll also notice the difference at the pump, since the better fuel efficiency will save you money.
 
It’s easy to check your tyre pressure, and most garages have a free gauge that lets you inflate to the correct pressure. You’ll find the information you need in your user manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.

Checking your tyre pressure

So when should you check the pressure in your tyres? As a rule, you should check at least every 30 days but every time you stop to fill up with fuel is better. It’s also worth gauging the pressure if the temperature changes by 10 degrees. Always check the pressure before a long journey, especially if you’ll be carrying a heavy load and may need to add some extra air.
 
We asked our tyre professionals when was the best time to check the pressure. In our experience it’s best to check in the morning when the tyres are cold and before you’ve driven anywhere. This will give the most accurate reading. If you rely on using a gauge at a garage, make sure that the tyres are cold to avoid the risk of under inflation which can cause your tyres to blow out.
 
Inflate to the recommended pressure and don’t forget to check whether you need to add extra ksa/psi if you are likely to be carrying a heavy load. Always replace the valve covers to keep dirt and moisture out. And don’t forget to check your spare every time you check your tyres so that you know it’s in top-notch condition if you do get a puncture.

Finding the right tyres for your vehicle

To keep your tyres in great condition and extend their lifespan, why not book your free Protyre tyre check online? It’s a great way to ensure that you're driving safely and securely and includes a tyre pressure check.
 
Our qualified fitters are on hand to advise you if there are any problems, or you can search for a brand-new set of tyres using our handy online search tool. We have thousands of top-quality brands available, including Pirelli and Bridgestone, plus more affordable tyres from Falken and Sumitomo. At Protyre, we’ll help you get the best buy for your budget with the perfect blend of fuel efficiency, performance and safety, with same-day fitting available on thousands of tyres.

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About the author

Article Author Photo
By David Sholicar
David is the National Retail Operations Manager for Protyre. One of David’s areas of responsibility and expertise is dealing with the DVSA and MOT’s for Protyre. As the Authorised Examiner Designate Manager ( AEDM ) David deals with applications for changes to the many Vehicle Testing Stations ( VTS’s) including managing the growth of the Number of MOT testing stations that Protyre operate, allocating MOT tester roles, and monitoring the MOT Test logs to ensure that Protyre MOT standards are maintained as the best in the industry.
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