What is Tyre Pressure?

Tyre Pressure is the amount of air inside of your vehicle’s tyres. Keeping your tyres inflated correctly can help to prolong their life, and improve fuel efficiency and the safety of your vehicle through improving grip and braking efficiency. 

If your front and rear tyres are too hard they will wear in the middle, if they are too soft they will wear on the outside – therefore it is important to maintain even tread wear. In addition to checking tyre pressure regularly, it is always recommended to check before undertaking long journeys.  

The recommended tyres pressure varies between vehicles and tyre types. Fortunately, the optimum tyre pressure can be found in the vehicle manufacturers manual. An alternative to looking in the vehicle handbook is to look on the vehicle itself.  Usually, the Tyre pressure ratings can be found on either the inside of the Fuel filling flap or on the inside of the door frame on the driver’s side.  

What causes a drop in Tyre Pressure?

Common causes of a drop in Tyre Pressure include: 

• Temperature changes (mostly in winter)

• Small punctures of cuts of the car tyre 

• Damaged rim (cracks, scratches, bends, rust etc) 

• Incorrect seating of the valve in the rim opening

• Dirt at the contact point of the tyre bead

• Overly tightened electronic sensor cap

• Micro-cracks in the inner layer that protects the tyre

• Defective valve or valve insert

• A damaged tyre bead from installation or removal 

What you can do 

The pressure of your tyres should be regularly checked in order to be maintained; this can be carried out at petrol stations using the Air filling stations, usually found at most large Petrol stations.  Sometimes there is a nominal charge of 50p or £1, but at most Supermarket Petrol stations these facilities are provided free of charge.

1. Remove the dust cap from the tyre valve and place the tyre pressure gauge from the air pump onto your tyre. 

2. Press down the gauge evenly on the valve stem to ensure you get an accurate reading.

3. Check the reading on the air pressure tyre pressure monitoring system screen gauge to determine if you need to continue inflating your tyre, or if you need to release air. 

Why choose MotorServ UK? 

MotorServ UK is proud to offer an extensive range of vehicle maintenance and repair services. The expertise of our award-winning team is second to none, therefore you can trust that your vehicle is left in the most competent hands for its works. 

Should you find that your tyres drop below the recommended pressure, it’s essential to act promptly. Simply follow the above steps to check and correct the tyre pressure, ensuring that each tyre is inflated to the proper level. Regularly monitoring your tyre pressure is not just a good habit; it can significantly impact your vehicle’s overall performance. By maintaining the correct tyre pressure, you can enhance your safety on the road and improve handling, which is especially important during adverse weather conditions.

Moreover, keeping your tyres properly inflated can save you money in the long run. Under-inflated tyres can lead to increased wear and tear, resulting in costly repairs and replacements. Additionally, they contribute to reduced fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll be spending more on fuel than necessary. In contrast, well-maintained tyres improve fuel economy, allowing you to get the most out of every tank.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding tyre maintenance or any of the services available at MotorServ UK, our knowledgeable team is here to help! We’re committed to providing expert advice and support to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out—contact us today for all your automotive needs, and let us help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently!