Aug 6, 2018
Do you know when your tyre pressure needs checked? It’s one of those things drivers take for granted until you realise that your tyre is completely flat. Every now and then your tyre pressure will need to be checked but there are a few things you should know before checking your tyre pressure.
Make sure that the tyre is cool before testing the pressure when the tyre is hot after a long drive this will not give an accurate reading. If you have been driving you are best to let the tyre cool down before testing the pressure, once the tyre is cool then get a tyre pressure gage or use the one in your local service station. Follow these 3 easy steps to check your tyre pressure.
First things first, each manufacturer will have an optimum tyre pressure that is relevant to each model. The recommended pressure for passenger vehicles is typically 30-35 PSI. Always check what PSI is recommended for your car before checking the pressure.
TIP
To find the correct PSI for your tyre just check the inside of your car door, there should be a sticker with some important information on it. If you take a look there should be a tyre symbol and it should show the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on it. .
It also lists the PSI on the tyre itself, there are a lot of numbers on a tyre just look out for PSI or BAR number and go by that figure.
Apart from just overall safety, there are a number of reasons you should check your pressure regularly, including effective handling of the car, if the pressure is low your car could veer to one side which can be dangerous. Having low tyre pressure can also affect fuel consumption, for these reasons alone it’s best your tyre pressure is checked every month.
First things first, you don’t need the car rolling or moving when checking the tyre pressure so apply the handbrake and switch the engine off.
Another thing to remember is to only test the tyre pressure when the tyre is cool if you have been on a longer trip and need to test the tyres just leave the car for as long as possible to cool down. Testing a hot tyre will give you a false reading.
Use the tyre pressure gage to unscrew the dust cap and press the gage into the valve, when you have done this you should hear the air escaping just like a hissing sound. The number on the gage will show the pressure, add more air to bring the pressure up to the manufacturer's recommendations.
After that just screw the dust cap back on and then you are done. It’s really that easy, don’t forget for all your tyre needs you can get a quote through MyCarNeedsA.com where you will have access to over 4,000 UK wide garages who can quote on all your car needs.
