How to check my tyres: A maintenance guide

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, which makes them a critical part of your vehicle's safety and performance. To keep your tyres grippy and roadworthy, checking and maintaining their condition regularly is key.

Proper tyre maintenance also helps avoid unexpected issues, like blowouts or poor fuel efficiency, which can save you money in the long run. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of tyre checks, so you can hit the road with confidence.

What do the markings on my tyres mean?

If you’ve ever taken a close look at your tyres, you’ve probably noticed a series of numbers and letters printed along the sidewall. These markings provide crucial information about the tyre's size, capabilities, and performance.

For example, a common tyre marking might read “P195/65 R15 91H”. Here's what each part means:

• P: The type of vehicle (P - passenger / LT - light truck / M - motorcycle / T - temporary)
• 195: The width of the tyre in millimetres.
• 65: The aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
• R: Stands for radial construction, the most common type of tyre today.
• 15: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
• 91: The load index, indicating the maximum weight the tyre can support.
• H: The speed rating, showing the maximum speed the tyre can safely sustain.

Knowing these markings helps you ensure that any replacements or rotations match your car’s specifications for optimal performance and safety.

How to check your car tyre pressure

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for both safety and fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling and increased wear, while over-inflated tyres may reduce grip and make the ride uncomfortable.

Try to check your tyres when they’re cold or haven’t been driven on, because heat can increase your tyre pressure and leave you with an inaccurate reading. You can find air hoses with tyre pressure gauges at most service stations, or buy a pneumatic / mechanical gauge to use at home.

Here’s how to check your tyre pressure:

1. Check your car manual or the tyre placard (usually found inside the driver’s door) to find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle.
2. Unscrew the valve cap from your tyre, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, and take a reading.
3. If the pressure is too low, inflate the tyre to the recommended level. If it’s too high, press on the metal pin in the tyre’s valve to release some air.

How to check if your tyres are worn out