Tyre Pressure Guide (UK) — Correct PSI, How to Check & Why It Matters

Correct tyre pressure is one of the easiest ways to improve:
✅ safety
✅ braking
✅ fuel economy
✅ tyre life

This guide explains what tyre pressure means, where to find it, and how to check it properly.

What Is Tyre Pressure?

Tyre pressure is the amount of air inside the tyre, usually measured in:

  • PSI (UK most common)

  • BAR

  • kPa

Most UK cars are typically between 30–36 PSI, but it depends on the vehicle.

⚠️ There is no “one pressure fits all” — always use your vehicle’s recommended pressure.

Where Do I Find the Correct Tyre Pressure?

You can find the correct pressure in 3 places:

✅ 1) Driver’s door sticker (most common)

Open the driver’s door and look for a label on:

  • door frame

  • inside the door

  • fuel flap (some cars)

✅ 2) Vehicle handbook

Your handbook will show pressures for:

  • normal driving

  • fully loaded

  • high speed driving (some vehicles)

✅ 3) Tyre pressure display inside the car

Some modern vehicles show recommended pressures in the infotainment menu.

Important: Tyre Sidewall PSI Is NOT Your Recommended Pressure

The number on the tyre sidewall is the maximum pressure the tyre can handle, not what you should inflate it to.

Always use the vehicle’s recommended PSI instead.

How to Check Tyre Pressure (Step-by-Step)

Checking tyre pressure takes 2 minutes.

✅ What you need:

  • a petrol station air machine
    or

  • a home compressor / digital tyre inflator

✅ Steps:

  1. Check pressures when tyres are cold (best time is morning)

  2. Remove the valve cap

  3. Push the air hose onto the valve

  4. Read the PSI

  5. Inflate or deflate to the correct PSI

  6. Refit the valve cap

💡 Tip: Check all 4 tyres (and the spare if you have one).

What Does “Cold Tyres” Mean?

Cold tyres = you haven’t driven far.

As a guide:

  • under 2 miles at low speed = still fairly cold

  • after motorway driving = tyres are hot and pressure will read higher

What Happens If Tyre Pressure Is Too Low?

Underinflated tyres can cause:

❌ poor handling
❌ longer braking distances
❌ more fuel use
❌ tyre wear on the outer edges
❌ overheating (higher blowout risk)

It’s one of the most common causes of premature tyre wear.

What Happens If Tyre Pressure Is Too High?

Overinflated tyres can cause:

❌ harsher ride
❌ less grip (especially in the wet)
❌ tyre wear in the centre of the tread
❌ higher risk of damage from potholes

How Often Should I Check Tyre Pressure?

Recommended:

✅ Every 2 weeks
✅ Before long trips
✅ If temperatures drop suddenly (winter)

Cold weather can lower tyre pressure naturally.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)

Many cars have a tyre pressure warning light.

If it comes on:

  1. Check all tyres as soon as possible

  2. Inflate to correct PSI

  3. Reset TPMS if required (depends on the car)

⚠️ If the light flashes or stays on after inflating, you may have a slow puncture.

Tyre Pressure for Fully Loaded Cars / Vans

If your vehicle is carrying:

  • passengers

  • heavy loads

  • luggage

  • tools (vans)

Your recommended pressure may be higher for the rear tyres.

Always check the door sticker for:
✅ “Normal load”
✅ “Fully loaded”

Quick FAQ

Is it OK to put 40 PSI in my tyres?

Only if your vehicle recommends it.
Most cars don’t need 40 PSI unless fully loaded or specific tyre specs.

Should front and rear tyre pressures be the same?

Not always.
Many vehicles use different pressures front vs rear.

Do I check tyre pressure when it’s raining?

Yes ✅ rain doesn’t matter.
Just check the tyres are cold and use the correct PSI.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure what tyre pressure you should be running, message us with:
✅ your registration
or
✅ your tyre size (example 205/55R16)

And we’ll point you in the right direction.