Where to check your tyre pressure

However, they are only able to do their job effectively if they are properly looked after. That means checking the tread depth and keeping an eye out for any damage, it also means checking that your tyres are at the correct pressure.
 
Pressures are important because if a tyre is under inflated, it will create more drag and you will use more fuel. If it’s over inflated then less rubber will be in contact with the road surface. In either case, incorrect tyre pressures will lead to uneven wear of the tyre. Our tyre professionals recommend you check your pressures at least once a month and definitely before embarking on a long journey.

Did you know?

Protyre offer free tyre checks at all garages within our UK network. Click the button below to book online, or alternatively, give your local protyre garage a call to book your vehicle in over the phone.

So how do you check your tyre pressures? It’s easy enough to do; you can pick up a gauge from accessory shops or online for a few pounds. Simply remove the valve cap, press the gauge onto the valve and you’ll get a pressure readout. Many foot pumps have a gauge built in, so that you can check the pressure and add more air if needed at the same time.
 
A easier way of doing things is with an electric pump. You can buy models that are powered by the car’s auxiliary socket or from the mains. Alternatively, you can use an airline at a garage; most filling stations have these either free or costing just a few pence. Most allow you to set the pressure and will make a sound to alert you when the correct level is reached.

No, we’re not talking about the cost of a night out. Traditionally, tyre pressures have been stated in pounds per square inch (psi) but nowadays most car makers quote pressures in terms of atmospheric pressure or bar. Most gauges show both scales and garage air lines allow you to switch between them.
 
The correct pressures for your car will be given in the owner's handbook. Most modern cars also have a sticker on the driver’s door pillar so that you don’t have to go scrambling for the handbook every time you pull into a garage. Note that there will usually be two sets of pressures given, one for normal loads and one for heavy loads and high speeds. It’s also not uncommon for cars to have different recommended pressures for front and rear tyres.

Recent cars - from about 2014 onwards - often have a tyre pressure monitoring system. This will alert you on the dash if a tyre is under pressure. There are two types of system, some have a sensor attached to the tyre valve, others work via the car’s anti-lock brake sensors. In either case, they are usually only triggered by a quite large drop in pressure, so you should still check your tyres regularly. Remember to reset the sensor after you’ve put air in the tyres.

If you are in any doubt as to what’s required, at Protyre our qualified fitters are always happy to advise. If you need new tyres, we can supply Pirelli, Falken and Sumitomo and other leading brands.