If it’s been over a month since you last checked your tyre pressure, this is your sign to do so!
Many drivers underestimate how much tyre pressure impacts safety, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle performance. Having the right pressure isn’t just a maintenance tip, it’s essential for keeping your car handling safely and smoothly on the road. Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so even small changes in pressure can have noticeable effects on braking distance, stability, fuel consumption and how long your tyres last.
Why tyre pressure matters
There are three main reasons why the correct tyre pressure is so important.
- Safety and control: tyres with incorrect pressure reduce your control on the road, making steering, cornering, braking, and accelerating more difficult & unpredictable.
- Tyre lifespan: when tyres aren’t inflated correctly, they wear out faster because uneven parts of the rubber hit the road.
- Fuel efficiency: low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, meaning your car engine must work harder, resulting in more fuel used.
But how do I find my correct tyre pressure?
Before you start pumping or deflating your tyres, it’s crucial to find the correct pressure for your vehicle. You’ll find this information:
- On the tyre placard inside the driver’s door frame.
- Inside the fuel flap or owner’s manual.
Here you will be able to identify your car’s recommended PSI, KPa, or Bar for both front and rear tyres. The Tyre & Rim Association of Australia also notes that using manufacturer-recommended pressures ensures optimal handling, tyre wear, and safety compliance.
How to check your tyre pressure
There are a few ways to check your tyre pressure, depending on what tools you already have or how modern your vehicle is:
- Tyre pressure gauge: this is the most common method. Remove the valve cap from your tyre and press the gauge onto the valve stem and read the pressure.
- At the service station: most will have free to use air pumps that can also measure your pressure gauge by attaching the hose to the tyre valve.
- Built-in Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): many modern cars have TPMS that alerts you on the dashboard if a tyre is under-inflated. Some also show each tyre’s pressure level on the screen.
A lot of drivers don’t realise that tyre pressure can change with temperature, the car’s load and even how long the car has been parked. Cool weather can cause pressures to drop, while hot roads can push them higher than recommended. A good tip to note is to check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold (before driving), as heat can temporarily increase readings.
I’ve got my tyre pressure numbers, what now?
To inflate your tyres:
The easiest way to get your tyres to correct pressure is to go to the service station. All service stations have free-to-use air pumps. You can set the recommended PSI on the machine, attach the hose to the tyre valve and the machine will show your current pressure and automatically inflate it! It will also show the conversion numbers of kPa and Bar.
To deflate your tyres:
If your tyres are over inflated, you can lightly press down on the small metal pin inside the valve. Air will start to hiss out until you stop pressing into the pin. Repeat the process until you reach the recommended PSI, kPa and Bar.
How often should you check tyre pressure?
Checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips is the most optimal frequency to ensure your tyres stay in safe condition.
Better yet, the next time you’re at the servo refuelling your car, add tyre checking into your routine. A quick 60-second tyre check can improve safety, extend tyre life, and save you money in the long run.
Curious about what other checks you should be doing? Check out our helpful guide to make sure you're taking proper care of your vehicle.
