So, how often should you check your car's tyre pressure?
In general, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. This advice applies to most cars, vans, and fleet vehicles.
You should also check tyre pressure:
After a sudden change in temperature (cold weather can lower tyre pressure).
If the vehicle feels unstable, heavy to steer, or pulls to one side.
After hitting a pothole or kerb.
When the tyre pressure warning light appears.
If the vehicle has been parked for a long period.
For business drivers, making tyre pressure checks part of a regular car health check helps reduce breakdowns and running costs. It’s also sensible to check other key fluids, such as engine oil and engine coolant, at the same time.
The importance of checking tyre pressure frequently
Understanding how often you should check your tyre pressure is important because incorrect pressure can cause a range of avoidable issues.
Improved safety
Tyres that are under-inflated or over-inflated reduce grip and braking performance, particularly in wet conditions. Regular checks help keep your vehicle stable and predictable on the road.
Better fuel efficiency
Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, meaning your engine uses more fuel. Keeping tyres correctly inflated can improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs, especially for business drivers.
Reduced tyre wear
Incorrect tyre pressure causes uneven tread wear, shortening tyre lifespan and increasing replacement costs.
Fewer unexpected issues
Tyre-related problems are a common cause of roadside breakdowns. Checking tyre pressure frequently helps spot issues early and reduces the risk of delays.
If you’re responsible for multiple vehicles, building tyre checks into wider maintenance routines and fleet support can help keep vehicles road-ready. You can explore fuel and fleet solutions on our services page.
How to check tyre pressure
Checking tyre pressure only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to get accurate readings.
How to find tyre pressure
If you’re unsure how to find tyre pressure for your vehicle, check:
Inside the driver’s door frame.
The vehicle handbook.
The fuel filler cap.
The recommended pressure may differ between the front and rear tyres, so always check both.
Check tyres when they’re cold
Tyre pressure should be checked when tyres are cold, ideally before driving. Warm tyres give higher readings and can be misleading.
Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge
You can use:
A handheld digital or manual gauge.
A petrol station air pump with a built-in gauge.
Remove the valve cap, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, and note the reading.
Adjust the pressure if needed
Add air gradually if pressure is low, or release air carefully if pressure is too high. Recheck until it matches the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Check the spare tyre
If your vehicle has a spare, include it in your checks. A flat spare is a common and frustrating issue.
Refit valve caps securely
Always replace valve caps to keep dirt and moisture out of the valve.
A Simple monthly check that makes a real difference
Knowing how often to check tyre pressure and doing so regularly can improve safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre lifespan. For business drivers, it also helps avoid downtime and unexpected costs.
If you’d like support with vehicle checks, fuel management, or fleet efficiency, our team is happy to help. Visit our contact us page to find out more.
