How to Check Your Tyre Pressure and Inflate Your Tyres. 

Wrong pressure tyres will mean that your fuel economy will be noticeably affected as will your stopping distance, so always ensure your tyres are correctly inflated.  It is easy to do once a month at the petrol station when you fill up with petrol.

Understand your optimum tyre pressure

Pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and the right value for your car should be listed in your owner's manual. It's common for different amounts to apply to the front and rear tyres.

The average car tyre pressure under average loading and driving speeds is 30psi and is a safe bet if you are uncertain.

Often there may also be a sticker on the inside frame of your car door telling you your optimum car tyre pressures.

Recommended pressure figures are for cold tyres, so you'll get a falsely high reading if you check them after driving for more than a few minutes. Always check tyre pressures cold.

How to inflate your car's tyres

Most petrol stations will have air pressure pumps, BP charge for the service but most others are free.

Step 1

Unscrew the small black cap on the metal bit that sticks out (the valve) from the tyre trim (don't loose it)

Step 2

Place the air machine pressure tap onto the metal bit firmly. 

Step 3

There will be a dial on the machine pressure tap which will give you your reading once you have applied the pressure tap to the valve.. 

Step 4

If the reading is too low press the lever on the pressure tap for a short time and release the lever, look at the reading again

If it is not at the correct pressure reading number, repeat pressing the lever on the pressure tap for a short time and take a reading again, keep going until the correct value is reached.

If you put too much air into the tyre, depress the pin in the centre of the valve to let some out.

Don't forget the pressure of your spare wheel. Your owner's manual should tell you the correct pressure. 

How to find out what your tyre pressure should be

Most garages will have a printed board with most car types on it and the associated car tyre pressures.

Kwik Fit have a neat little online tool to tell you your tyre pressure based on your vehicle number plate - click here to access
 

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