Incorrect tyre pressure is one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of tyre failure in the UK. Under-inflated tyres overheat, wear unevenly, and dramatically increase your stopping distance on wet roads. Over-inflated tyres reduce your contact patch, making the car skittish and the centre of the tread wear prematurely.
Use the tool above to find the recommended pressures for your car in seconds.
Why does tyre pressure matter so much?
Safety
A tyre at 20% under-pressure (roughly 6 PSI low on a typical car) can increase braking distance by up to 5 metres at 60 mph — the difference between stopping safely and a collision. On North Wales roads, where country lanes can be wet and winding, that margin matters.
Economy
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder. The AA estimates that correct pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 2%, adding up over the miles.
Tyre life
Running consistently low wears the shoulders of the tyre. Running high wears the centre. Both patterns cut tyre life significantly and can lead to an MOT failure even with plenty of tread depth left.
When should I check tyre pressure?
- At least once a month — tyres naturally lose 1-2 PSI per month
- Before a long journey — especially motorway or mountain driving
- When the weather changes significantly — pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F (5.6°C) drop in temperature
- After fitting new tyres — always have the pressure set correctly at fitting
Where to find your exact pressure
The tool above gives typical pressures for common UK cars, but always confirm against your vehicle’s specific data:
- Door jamb sticker — inside the driver’s door, most reliable
- Fuel filler cap — some manufacturers print it here
- Handbook — may list different pressures for different tyre sizes
Normal vs laden pressures
Most cars have two sets of recommended pressures: normal (driver + one passenger, light load) and laden (full passengers, heavy boot, or towing). Running laden with normal pressures causes the tyre to bulge and overheat. Always inflate to the laden figure when carrying a full load or heading to a campsite with all the gear.
Bar vs PSI
UK forecourt pumps usually display both. 1 bar ≈ 14.5 PSI. Typical car pressures range from 28-44 PSI (1.9-3.0 bar). Vans run significantly higher — up to 65 PSI (4.5 bar) when laden.
If you notice a tyre is consistently losing pressure, it may have a slow puncture. We can inspect, repair if repairable, or replace on-site across North Wales.
This is general guidance to help you decide what to do next — it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. If in doubt, don’t drive on it. Call us and we’ll come to you.