Tyre Pressure: Why You Should Check It Every Month

Most drivers know tyre pressure matters — but not everyone realises how much. Many accidents are caused by underinflated tyres, and poor maintenance can also hurt your wallet and the environment.

If you’re not already checking your tyre pressure once a month, now’s the time to start. You’ll save money, improve performance, and stay safer on the road.

Fast Facts: How to Check Tyre Pressure

• For the most accurate reading, check tyre pressure when tyres are cold (after the car has been parked for at least three hours).

• Refer to your vehicle handbook for the recommended pressure for both front and rear tyres.

• Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge, available at home or at most fuel stations.

• Record the reading in PSI (pounds per square inch) for each tyre and compare it to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

• Adjust pressure up or down based on your car’s load and specifications.

Why Monthly Tyre Checks Matter

1. Save Money

Underinflated tyres wear out faster, while overinflated ones wear unevenly. Either way, you’ll need to replace them sooner.
Proper inflation stabilises the tyre structure and can extend its lifespan by up to 4,660 miles (7,500 km).

You’ll also spend less on fuel. Tyres that are even slightly underinflated increase rolling resistance — meaning your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel per kilometre.

2. Improve Comfort and Performance

Tyre pressure affects how your vehicle feels and responds.

• Underinflated tyres make steering sluggish and cornering less precise.

• Overinflated tyres make the ride harsh and reduce contact with the road surface.

With the correct pressure, your car will handle better, respond quicker, and offer a smoother, more comfortable drive.

3. Enhance Safety

Tyres are your only point of contact with the road. Incorrect pressure reduces grip, increases braking distance, and affects stability — especially when cornering or driving at high speeds.

Underinflation can also cause heat buildup, which raises the risk of tyre blowouts. Keeping tyres at the right pressure means better handling and reduced risk of accidents.

4. Protect the Environment

Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing your vehicle to consume more fuel. Even a small pressure drop of 0.3 bar (around 4 PSI) can raise fuel consumption by about 1.5%, releasing more CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Proper tyre maintenance helps reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money at the pump — a win for both you and the planet.

How to Check Tyre Pressure Properly

1. Know the Right Pressure

Tyre pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). The recommended pressure depends on your car’s size, weight, and design.

• Look for the correct figures in your owner’s manual, on a label inside the driver’s door, or under the fuel cap.

• You’ll often see two sets of numbers — one for normal use and another for fully loaded conditions.

2. Check When Tyres Are Cold

Always measure pressure before you start driving or after the car has been parked for a few hours. Heat from driving temporarily raises tyre pressure and gives a false reading.

Temperature also affects tyre pressure:

• A 10°C increase in outside temperature raises pressure by about 1.6 PSI.

• In cold winter conditions, tyres can lose up to 5 PSI.

3. Use a Reliable Pressure Gauge

You can buy a portable gauge or use one at most petrol stations.
Options include:

• Digital gauges (battery-powered, easy to read).

• Stick-type gauges (mechanical and durable).

To check:

1. Remove the valve cap and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem.

2. Wait until the hissing sound stops and read the PSI value.

3. Compare the reading to your car’s recommended level.

4. Adjust the Pressure

If pressure is too high, release air by pressing the valve pin gently until the gauge shows the correct number.
If it’s too low, use an air compressor (available at petrol stations) to inflate the tyre.

After adjustment:

• Replace valve caps tightly to prevent air leaks and protect from dirt.

• Repeat for all four tyres and your spare.

The Role of Technology: Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Modern vehicles are often equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — a smart feature that uses wheel sensors and brake systems to alert you when pressure drops significantly.

A TPMS helps:

• Prevent dangerous underinflation,

• Reduce fuel consumption,

• Lower CO₂ emissions, and

• Extend vehicle performance over time.

However, remember that TPMS typically triggers only when pressure falls by around 25%. For best results, you should still check your tyre pressure manually every two to four weeks.

Key Takeaway

Checking your tyre pressure once a month is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to ensure:

• Safer driving,

• Longer tyre life,

• Lower fuel costs, and

• A smaller environmental impact.

It only takes a few minutes — but it could save you thousands of dollars, or even a life.

So next time you fuel up, grab a pressure gauge and give your tyres the attention they deserve.