Published 2026-04-28 · TT Mobile Tyre Fitting 24/7
Tyre pressure is one of the most neglected car maintenance tasks, yet it takes less than five minutes to check and has a significant impact on safety, tyre life and fuel economy. Here is everything you need to know.
Your car's recommended tyre pressure is not on the tyre itself — the number moulded into the tyre sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended operating pressure. The correct pressure for your specific car is found in the owner's manual, or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or inside the fuel filler cap. Most modern cars also show this in the infotainment system.
Many cars have different pressures for the front and rear axles, and some have a higher recommended pressure for a fully loaded car versus lightly loaded. Make sure you are using the right figure for your situation.
Tyre pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or bar. Common pressures for UK passenger cars range from 28 to 36 PSI, though some vehicles — particularly large SUVs — may require higher. To check your pressure, use a tyre pressure gauge (available cheaply from any motor accessory shop) or the gauge at a petrol station. Always check pressures when the tyres are cold — driving heats the air inside the tyre and raises the pressure reading, giving you an inaccurate figure.
The consequences of incorrect pressure are serious. Under-inflated tyres flex excessively, generating heat that can cause the tyre structure to fail. They also wear faster on the outer edges, increase fuel consumption, and reduce cornering stability. Over-inflated tyres wear faster in the centre of the tread, reduce the contact patch, and give a harsher, less controlled ride — particularly on the uneven roads around Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Check your tyre pressures at least once a month and before any long journey. If you repeatedly find a tyre losing pressure, you likely have a slow puncture — call TT Mobile Tyre Fitting 24/7 on 07762 455291 and we will come to your location and investigate. We cover all of Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Coventry and the surrounding West Midlands, 24 hours a day.