What PSI should my car tyres be?
Car tyres aren’t just unsafe when they’re old and worn out, they can also be dangerous if running at the incorrect pressure. Tyre pressures need to be checked regularly in order to ensure safety and economy.
Tyre pressure is a measurement of how much air is in your pneumatic tyre and ensures the tyres wear evenly and maintain the correct level of grip on the road surface. This is commonly expressed as PSI, or pounds-per-square-inch.
Tyre manufacturers have recommended tyre pressures, and car manufacturers actually have a placard (or tyre pressure chart) on all new cars showing the correct tyre pressure for the tyres the car came with.
Driving with too low pressure (as when the tyre is flat) means the tyre could roll off the wheel, and will have dangerously soggy handling performance which affects braking in an emergency.
Over-inflated tyres wear quickly, ride harshly, and are at risk of blowing, or causing skidding. Every tyre is designed to work in an effective pressure range, from low to high, and if you don’t know what pressure your tyres should be check with your dealership, local mechanic, or local tyre shop.
Tyre pressures are often displayed for when the tyres are cold and you haven’t driven far on them. As you drive down the road the air inside a tyre builds up, changing the pressure reading, so this is why you should check your tyre pressure psi before you hit the highway.
And remember to keep an eye on your spare tyre’s pressure so you don’t get disappointed in an emergency.
