Tyre pressure is one of the simplest things to check on a vehicle, yet surveys consistently show that a large proportion of UK cars are driving on incorrectly inflated tyres at any given time. Both underinflation and overinflation carry real safety and financial costs.
The Dangers of Underinflated Tyres
An underinflated tyre flexes excessively as it rotates, generating heat that degrades the rubber and can eventually lead to a sudden blowout. The tyre also has a larger contact patch with the road, which increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. A tyre just 20% below its recommended pressure can reduce fuel economy by around 1% and dramatically shorten tyre life through uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread.
The Problems with Overinflated Tyres
An overinflated tyre has a smaller contact area with the road, reducing grip particularly in wet conditions and making the ride harsher. The central tread area bears most of the load and wears faster, and the tyre is more susceptible to damage from impacts such as potholes. Both conditions cost you money and compromise safety.
Finding Your Correct Tyre Pressure
Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressures are found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, in the fuel filler cap, or in the owner's manual. Note that many vehicles specify different pressures for front and rear tyres, and some specify different pressures depending on load. Pressures are measured in PSI or BAR and should be checked at least monthly, and always before a long motorway journey. If you are repeatedly losing pressure in one tyre, call us — it may indicate a slow puncture that our mobile technicians can assess and repair at your location in Glasgow or Bradford.
