What Tyre Pressure Should I Use?

The right tyre pressure is the one your vehicle manufacturer recommends, not the maximum figure printed on the tyre. The number on the sidewall is the most the tyre can take, not what your car needs.

Where to find the correct pressure

• A sticker on the driver's door frame or door edge
• Inside the fuel filler flap
• The vehicle handbook, which often lists different pressures for normal and fully loaded use

Pressures are given in PSI or bar, and often separately for front and rear. Look up your own car's figures rather than relying on a generic number from the internet.

Check them cold

Measure pressure when the tyres are cold, ideally before driving or after a very short trip. Tyres warm up as you drive and read higher.

When to adjust

• Heavy load or towing: use the higher figure in the handbook.
• Cold weather: pressure falls as temperature falls, so check more often in winter.
• After fitting new tyres: check again after a few days.

Why it matters

Under-inflated tyres wear on the edges, use more fuel and run hotter. Over-inflated tyres wear in the centre and have less grip. Either can shorten the tyre's life.

Step-by-step instructions are in our how to check tyre pressure guide, and if a light keeps coming on see the TPMS warning light guide. We can also check pressures when we fit your tyres at home.