Tyre Safety Month Highlights Why Tyre Pressure Matters for All Drivers

Tyre Safety Month isn’t just another campaign—it’s a stark reminder that your safety on the road starts with the condition of your tyres. Whether you use your car as a runaround town, heading across the country for a weekend getaway, or simply driving to work; your tyres play a massive role in your fuel efficiency and your safety. 

Taking five minutes of your time to check your tyre pressure and tread could mean the difference between a smooth drive and a dangerous situation. It is also important to note how your tyres could also void your car insurance so it is of the utmost importance to keep your tyres in great condition. 

That is why, at etyres we have created a simple guide to walk you through everything you need to know about your tyre pressure. Giving you the confidence to get behind your wheel and have a safer journey. 

How to Determine the Correct Tyre Pressure for Your Vehicle

You might be wondering, “What Should my Tyre Pressure Be?”  or even “How to Check Tyre Pressure”. Fortunately, it is easier than you think. 

To find the recommended tyre pressure, it is usually found in your owner’s manual. No idea where you put that? Don’t worry, it can also be found on a label inside the driver’s side door frame. 

By keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure, you can ensure even wear and even save money on your fuel. Every penny counts! 

Dangers of Low Tyre Pressure

When you drive with low tyre pressure, you can put yourself and others on the road at risk. Under-inflated tyres do not have its proper shape which leads to more contact with the road. 

This causes your tyres to wear out faster and increase your chances of a blowout—especially if you often travel on the dual carriageway or motorway. Unfortunately, tyre blowouts can be responsible for multiple road accidents and deaths each year. 

Low tyre pressure also makes your vehicle harder to handle, increasing your braking distance and as mentioned earlier, reducing your fuel efficiency. Regularly checking your tyres pressure you can avoid these dangers and keep your vehicle performing at its best.

The Effects of High Tyre Pressure on Your Vehicle’s Performance

Over inflating your tyres can cause just as many issues as under-inflation. When a tyre is filled with too much air, your tyres can become rigid and have less grip on the road, reducing traction and control. 

Overinflation makes it harder to steer your car or van, especially if it’s been raining or snowing. It also increases the likelihood of uneven wear on the tread. Meaning your tyres won’t last as long. 

So by finding the right balance in tyre pressure, you can make sure your tyres have good safety and performance without hurting your pockets. 

When and How Often Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure?

Now that you know why tyre pressure is important, the next question is, “How often and when should you check it?” Ideally, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month. However, if you’re planning a long trip or have been driving in extreme temperatures, it’s a good idea to check it more frequently. 

Cold weather can also cause tyre pressure to drop, while heat can make it rise. So, regular checks will make sure your tyres are always in top shape, no matter what conditions you are driving on.

Not sure how to check your tyre pressure? Don’t worry, it’s simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Gather your tools – You’ll need a tyre pressure gauge and, if necessary, an air compressor.
2. Find the recommended pressure – Check your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s side door for the correct pressure levels.
3. Check the tyres when cold – Tyre pressure can change after driving, so check them when the car has been parked for a few hours.
4. Remove the valve cap – Unscrew the cap from the valve stem.
5. Press the gauge onto the valve – Make sure it’s secure to get an accurate reading.
6. Adjust pressure if needed – Add or release air until the gauge shows the correct level.
7. Replace the valve cap – Don’t forget to put the caps back on after you’re done.

If you don’t have a tyre pressure gauge, you can always go to your local petrol station. There is usually an air pump that will help fill or decrease the air in your tyres. It can cost anywhere between 50p to £2 depending on where you go. 

How to Reset Your Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Many modern vehicles are equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you if the pressure is too low. 

After adjusting your tyre pressure, you may need to reset this system to ensure it accurately monitors your tyres. To reset the TPMS, follow these general steps:

1. Turn on the ignition – Don’t start the engine.
2. Locate the reset button – It’s usually near the steering wheel or under the dashboard.
3. Hold the button – Press and hold the TPMS reset button until the light blinks, indicating that the system is resetting.
4. Drive your vehicle – After resetting, drive at a steady speed for about 10-15 minutes to allow the system to recalibrate.

Always consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions related to your car’s model or you can can put your make and model in Youtube for a guide specific for your car or van. 

How Tyre Pressure Impacts Fuel Consumption and Efficiency

Did you know that tyre pressure can affect how much fuel your car consumes? When your tyres are properly inflated, your car rolls more efficiently, reducing the effort required by the engine and saving you fuel. Under-inflated tyres create more friction, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. By keeping your tyres at the recommended pressure, you can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 3%, helping both your wallet and the environment.

Tyre pressure might seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on your safety, vehicle performance, and fuel efficiency. By checking your tyres regularly and maintaining the correct pressure can save you money, extend the life of your tyres, and keep you safe on the road. 

With etyres we want to help you take control and drive with confidence. We stock a range of tyres from top leading brands like Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear . So whether you need summer tyres, 4×4 tyres or all season tyres, at etyres we have got you covered. 

Shop our range of tyres today and keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads.