{"id":1522,"date":"2025-01-31T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/?p=1522"},"modified":"2025-01-31T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:00:00","slug":"how-to-check-tyre-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mrclutch.com\/blog\/how-to-check-tyre-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"How to check tyre pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Take a moment to stop and think. When was the last time you checked your tyre pressure? If it\u2019s been more than a few weeks – or worse, you can\u2019t remember – then it could be time to check your tyres again to ensure your vehicle is safe and efficient to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We say safe and<\/em> efficient because tyre pressure doesn\u2019t just affect the roadworthiness of your vehicle. It can make you more likely to experience a breakdown or accident, but even if that doesn\u2019t happen, having underinflated tyres<\/a> can mean your car uses up more fuel and money to get you where you need to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, keeping on top of your vehicle\u2019s tyre pressure can save you time, money and the pain and inconvenience of a road accident. Let\u2019s take a look at how and when it should be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you check tyre pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to remember is that you should always wait until your tyres are cold before checking the pressure, as warm tyres can affect the reading. To do this, it\u2019s best to allow your car to be parked for three or four hours – or overnight, if that\u2019s easier. Then you can begin the check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Know the correct tyre pressure<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Different vehicles will have a different ideal tyre pressure, so there\u2019s no one universal figure to aim for. However, the manufacturers of your particular vehicle will have detailed the right tyre pressure for that make and model for you to use as reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your vehicle\u2019s ideal tyre pressure will be noted down in the owner\u2019s manual, and on a sticker located on or near the driver\u2019s door frame. It will list the right pressure in PSI and bars – both units of pressure. You can simply pick the one that matches your tyre pressure gauge and inflation gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Remove the valve dust cap<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      This is a small, usually black, thimble-shaped bit of plastic that covers the tyre valve to keep it clean. Put it somewhere safe, as you\u2019ll want to put it back on once you\u2019re satisfied with your tyre pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Take a reading with your tyre pressure gauge<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Apply your gauge to the tyre valve stem, pressing evenly to be sure of an accurate reading. You\u2019ll hear the hissing of air escaping stop when you\u2019ve got the gauge in position correctly. Depending on the gauge you’re using, you may need to check the dial for a reading, or there may be a digital display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Remedy any problems<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          If your tyre pressure matches the ideal specified by your vehicle\u2019s manufacturers, great. Move onto the next step. If not, you\u2019ll need to either inflate or deflate the tyres to reach that target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n