Feeling deflated after a long year? Need a bit of a pump up? Let’s talk about pressure; tyre pressure, that is! Your car’s tyres provide an essential connection between you and the road, and keeping them at the right pressure is vital for safety, fuel efficiency and performance. So what PSI should car tyres be and how do you check it?
What is PSI?
Pounds-per-square-inch (or PSI) is the common unit of measurement for pressure. It is used to measure how much air is inside an inflatable device or object. Knowing the correct PSI for your car tyres is really important for ensuring good grip and handling when you’re on the road.
When tyres are maintained at the correct pressure they give us the ability to steer, brake, corner and accelerate with ease. Correct pressure also plays a huge role in determining fuel efficiency, so getting it right is important for your wallet, too!
What PSI should car tyres be?
The correct tyre pressure for your car will be found on a plate located inside the driver’s door, and in the manufacturer’s handbook. Generally speaking, the recommended tyre pressure in passenger vehicles will lie somewhere between 30 and 35 PSI.
You can also check the maximum pressure that the rubber of the tyres fitted to your car can carry safely without blowout by looking for markings on the sidewall of your tyres (you’ll usually find this somewhere near the tyre manufacturer’s logo). These markings will commonly say something like “Max. Press. 35 PSI”, and provide you with the absolute maximum that your tyres can carry without rupture.
How do I check my tyre pressure?
Now that you know what your car tyre pressure should be, it’s time to find out what it is. Fortunately, checking the pressure of your car tyres is one of the simplest things you can do for your car, and it’s free! Most service stations will have a free tyre pressure station – simply attach the compressor to your tyre valve, take a reading, and adjust the pressure as needed.
Tyres tend to lose around 1-2 PSI per month, so we recommend checking pressure once a month and before any long journeys. The best time to check and adjust pressure is when your tyres are still cold, so make it the first thing you do if you’re heading out.
What happens if my car tyres are under-inflated?
If you haven’t checked your tyre pressure for a while, it’s likely that they’ll be under-inflated. Under-inflated tyres have a higher rolling resistance, meaning it takes more fuel to make them turn. In fact, fuel efficiency can be reduced by up to 0.2% for every 1 PSI that your tyres are under their recommended pressure!
They’re also more prone to puncture and blowouts, and cause impaired handling, acceleration, braking and wet grip. Under-inflated tyres also lead to increased and uneven tyre wear, shortening the lifespan of your tyres.
What happens if my car tyres are over-inflated?
If you’re a bit trigger-happy with the air compressor, you may over-inflate your tyres. Pumping up your car tyres too much increases the chance of blowout and will result in an uncomfortable, bouncy ride.
Book a car service with Cox Auto
When you service your vehicle at Cox Auto, we’ll check your tyre pressure as part of our premium service. We’ll meet your logbook servicing needs and tailor our process to you and your vehicle, and are happy to chat through any questions you have about your tyres.
Remember, you’re not just another number on a long list of one-size-fits-all services to us; our connection with you is human, and we’re here for the long-haul. Our no-contact service options and complimentary loan vehicles will keep you at home or on the road – whatever you need, and all without voiding your warranty!
