How to check your tyres

Give your tyres the time and attention they deserve, and you’ll prevent poor fuel economy, weird handling, and maybe even a breakdown. Checking in on your tyre pressure and quality is quick, easy, and doable at home or at a petrol station.  

Every car has a recommended tyre pressure, usually shown in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR. You can find this: 

• On a sticker inside the driver’s door frame 
• In your vehicle handbook 
• Or sometimes on the inside of the fuel flap 

There are usually different pressures listed depending on how many people or how much weight you’re carrying, so go with the one that matches your load. 

How to Check and Top It Up 

1. Start when tyres are cold – before any long drives (remember to put your handbrake on and turn your engine off). 
2. Take off the valve cap on each tyre. 
3. Use a pressure gauge on the valve – either a digital one at home or the air machine at your local petrol station (your current tyre pressure will be displayed at this point). 
4. Compare the reading to the correct pressure for your car. 
5. If it’s too low, use the pump to add air gradually. Most petrol station machines let you set the target pressure and beep when you’re good to go. 
6. If it’s too high, press the small metal pin inside the valve to release a bit of air – you might need a flathead screwdriver to do this. 
7. Recheck after inflating or deflating. 
8. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre, if you have one – a flat spare isn’t much use! 

Pressure sorted? Great – now check your tyre tread. 

UK law says your tread needs to be at least 1.6mm deep across the central section of the tyre. Anything less and it’s illegal (and dangerous). 

Try the 20p test: 

• Insert a 20p coin into the tyre’s tread groove. 
• If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is too shallow, and the tyre needs replacing. 

This quick trick could save you from fines, points on your licence – or worse. 

Final Tyre Tips 

• Check your tyres once a month – and before any long trip 
• Underinflated tyres = more fuel used and faster wear 
• Overinflated tyres = poor grip and reduced handling 
• Watch for slow puncture signs like a vibrating steering wheel or the car pulling to one side