What Tyre Pressure Should Your Car Have?
Getting your tyre pressure right is one of the simplest ways to look after your vehicle. It can affect how your car handles, how your tyres wear, fuel consumption and overall driving safety.
At Napier Tyre & Mag, we know tyre maintenance can sometimes feel confusing. Here's how to check your tyre pressure and make sure your tyres are ready for the road.
Where Can You Find the Correct Tyre Pressure?
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, inside the fuel flap or in your vehicle handbook.
The correct pressure depends on your vehicle, tyre specifications and sometimes how heavily the vehicle is loaded. Don't rely solely on the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall, as that isn't necessarily the recommended operating pressure for your car.
How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
It's a good idea to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before longer journeys. You should also check it if your vehicle has been carrying heavier loads or if a tyre looks lower than usual.
Tyres naturally lose a small amount of air over time, even when there's no obvious puncture. Regular checks can help you spot pressure problems before they affect your driving.
Should You Check Tyres When They're Hot or Cold?
For the most accurate reading, check your tyres when they're cold, ideally before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for several hours.
Driving heats the tyres and increases the air pressure inside them. If you check them after a long trip, the reading may be higher than the cold pressure specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
Avoid letting air out of a warm tyre just to match the cold-pressure recommendation.
What Happens If Your Tyre Pressure Is Too Low?
Underinflated tyres can flex more than intended, which can increase heat build-up, cause uneven or excessive wear, affect handling and increase fuel consumption.
Very low pressure can also damage a tyre, especially if you continue driving on it.
If your tyre is noticeably flat or you suspect it has a leak, don't simply keep adding air and carrying on. Have it checked to find out what's causing the pressure loss.
What If Your Tyre Pressure Is Too High?
Overinflated tyres may have a smaller contact area with the road than intended. This can affect grip, ride comfort and tyre wear.
The best approach is to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure rather than guessing or adjusting it based on appearance alone.
Does Tyre Pressure Change With the Weather?
Yes. Air pressure changes with temperature, so your tyre pressure can drop during colder weather and rise as temperatures increase.
This is another reason to check your tyres regularly throughout the year, rather than assuming the pressure will stay the same.
Need Help Checking Your Tyres in Napier?
Keeping your tyres in good condition doesn't have to be complicated. Checking the pressure regularly and looking for signs of damage can help you catch problems early.
At Napier Tyre & Mag, we offer tyre sales, professional tyre fitting, puncture repairs, wheel balancing and wheel alignment. If you're unsure about your tyre pressure or have noticed a tyre repeatedly losing air, our team can help.
Visit Napier Tyre & Mag for practical tyre advice and tyre services in Napier.
For more information, visit the NZ Transport Agency website.
