Car maintenance for girls:
How to check your tyre pressure
Continuing our mini-series on car maintenance basics for beginners…
Cut out unnecessary visits to the garage by learning to do a few simple things yourself, our car maintenance mini-series guides you through the basics. Here we show you how to check and correct your tyre pressure.
It’s important to keep your tyres at the correct pressure as too much or too little air inside them can affect the car’s handling, as well as reduce fuel efficiency.
Check tyre pressures when they are cool (not after a drive). Most petrol stations have an air pump that is easy to use. With some petrol stations there is a chart next to the air pump displaying correct pressures for popular car makes and models, although it’s always best to check in your manual for the most accurate information. With some car makes, your tyre pressure can also be found on the inner frame of your driver-side door or on the inside of your petrol cap.
With most modern cars, the back tyres will have a slightly different pressure from the front, and these figures will change if the car is carrying a heavy load. And for advice on safe tyre treads, read our tips on spotting problems with your car.
To check and inflate your tyres, follow these four easy steps:
- Locate your tyre valve
Start with a front wheel and find the pressure valve – this is the protruding small metal cylinder where air goes in or comes out. Remove the small cap and keep somewhere safe (be careful not to lose it!) - Attach the air pump
Take the long hose of the air pump and attach the end to the valve, then lock into place. - Check the tyre pressure
The pump’s gauge will tell you the current tyre pressure (in both Bars and PSI – your manual should quote the recommended readings for both). If the pressure is too low, keep pressing down on the air pump until the level moves up to the manufacturer’s recommendation. - Replace the valve cap
When the tyre pressure is at the correct level, remove the pump from the valve and replace the cap. Repeat the whole process on the other tyres.
Elsewhere on this site you will find step-by-step instructions on:
If you are not sure of any procedure, then visit your mechanic or local garage. No matter how expensive your car, treat it to some Privilege car insurance cover by getting a competitive car insurance quote here.
 |
|
Get a car insurance quote from us in minutes with our easy to use quote form. |
 |
