What is a Tyre Pressure Check?
A two-minute job that improves grip, fuel economy and tyre life.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Tyre pressure is the amount of air inside each tyre, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or bar. Manufacturers set a target pressure for your specific car — you'll find it on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or inside the fuel filler flap, and in the handbook. Pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold (driven less than two miles).
"Think of it like blood pressure for your car: too low and it labours, too high and things wear out fast."
How it works
Unscrew the black plastic dust cap on the valve stem of each tyre. Press a pressure gauge firmly onto the valve — you'll hear a brief hiss, then it'll read the current PSI. Compare to the recommended figure. If low, top up at a petrol-station air pump or home compressor. If over, press the small pin in the centre of the valve briefly to release air, then re-check. Refit the dust cap. Repeat on all four tyres — and don't forget the spare if you have one.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Steering feels heavy or vague
- ⚠Fuel economy has dropped noticeably
- ⚠Uneven wear across the tyre tread
- ⚠Car pulls to one side
- ⚠A tyre looks visibly flatter than the others
- ⚠Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light on the dash
Effectively free — gauge from £5
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.