Maintaining correct tyre pressure

Ensuring you keep the recommended level of air pressure in your tyres will extend their life and give you optimal handling, braking and fuel economy. That's why checking your pressures on a regular basis is a good habit to get into.

All tyres will lose air, typically at a rate of around 0.069 bar or 1 pound per square inch (psi) each month. This can happen even faster if you do lots of long-distance driving, or drive on uneven road surfaces and with heavy loads, while air loss also increases in warmer temperatures. We suggest you check your tyre pressures every month, and examine your treads at the same time. You'll find the correct pressure in your car owner’s manual as well as on the sidewall of every tyre.

How to check your pressure 

1. Use the pressure gauge on the air compressor at your garage, or buy one from an auto store. 
2. Locate your tyre’s valve and unscrew the cap. 
3. Press down on the valve with the gauge – you will hear a brief hiss and the gauge’s indicator should show a reading. 
4. Compare the pressure on the gauge with your tyre’s recommended bar or psi. 
5. Inflate or deflate as necessary. 
6. Re-check and adjust again until the pressure is at the recommended level. 
7. Replace the valve caps. 
8. Repeat for all four tyres. If you notice an excessive or unusual drop in pressure it may indicate a leak, and you should consult a professional.

If you notice an excessive or unusual drop in pressure it may indicate a leak, and you should consult a professional.