Tyre pressure is one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance — yet it has a direct impact on how safely your car handles, how quickly it stops, and how much fuel you use every mile you drive.
The Risks of Under-Inflation
Under-inflated tyres flex more than designed, generating excess heat. This accelerates tyre wear, increases fuel consumption by up to 3%, and in severe cases can cause a blowout at speed. Under-inflated tyres also have a larger contact patch that deforms under load, reducing handling precision and increasing stopping distances.
Finding the Right Pressure
Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressures are found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual. Pressures are given for cold tyres — check before a long drive or after the car has been parked for a couple of hours. Front and rear pressures are often different and change with load, so always check with the vehicle's specific guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Check tyre pressure at least once a month and before long motorway trips
- Never bleed air from hot tyres — always measure cold
- TPMS sensors alert you when pressure drops 25% below recommended — but that is already dangerous
- An increase of 1 psi across all four tyres can improve fuel economy by 0.5%
A two-minute tyre pressure check every month costs nothing and protects both your safety and your fuel bill. If you notice persistent pressure loss, call Multi Mobile Tyres for a puncture assessment.
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