Can I Drive With Low Tyre Pressure?
Your TPMS warning light just came on, or you've noticed your tyres look a bit flat. The question every driver faces: is it safe to keep driving, or should you pull over immediately?
Quick Answer
You can usually drive short distances with low tyre pressure to find a safe place to check and inflate. However, driving with significantly under-inflated tyres is dangerous and can cause accidents, blowouts, and damage to your tyres.
Rule of thumb: If your TPMS light is on or tyres look visibly flat, check the pressure as soon as safely possible. Drive slowly and avoid high speeds until you can fix it.
Risks of Driving With Low Tyre Pressure
1. Reduced Braking Performance
Under-inflated tyres significantly increase stopping distances. Studies show that tyres 20% under-inflated can increase braking distance by up to 10% - that's the difference between avoiding an accident and causing one.
Impact: In an emergency situation, those extra metres could be critical.
2. Poor Handling & Control
Low pressure makes your car feel sluggish and unresponsive. Cornering becomes less precise, and the car may pull to one side or feel unstable during maneuvers.
Impact: You'll notice the car doesn't respond as expected, especially on winding roads or during evasive maneuvers.
3. Increased Risk of Blowout
Under-inflated tyres flex more than they should, generating excessive heat. At high speeds or under heavy loads, this heat can cause the tyre structure to fail suddenly - resulting in a blowout.
Impact: A blowout at motorway speeds can cause loss of control and serious accidents.
4. Heat Build-up & Structural Damage
When tyres are under-inflated, the sidewalls flex excessively. This creates heat that can permanently damage the tyre's internal structure, even if it doesn't blow out immediately.
Impact: You may need to replace the tyre even if it looks okay, leading to unexpected costs.
How Low is Too Low?
Slightly Low (1-3 PSI under recommended)
Safe for short distances: You can usually drive to a garage or petrol station to top up. Performance will be slightly affected, but not critically.
Action: Top up within a day or two
Moderately Low (4-8 PSI under recommended)
Drive carefully to nearest garage: You can drive short distances at moderate speeds (under 50mph), but avoid motorways and long journeys.
Action: Check and inflate as soon as possible - ideally within hours
Severely Low (9+ PSI under recommended or TPMS warning)
Stop driving if possible: Only drive short distances at very low speeds (under 30mph) to find a safe place to stop. Risk of blowout and serious damage is high.
Action: Check immediately - consider calling breakdown service if you're far from help
Note: TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warnings typically activate when pressure is 25% or more below recommended. This is a serious warning that should be addressed promptly.
What to Do If the Warning Light Comes On Mid-Journey
- 1Don't panic - Stay calm and assess the situation. If the car is handling normally, you can usually continue carefully.
- 2Reduce speed - Slow down to 50mph or less. Avoid sudden maneuvers and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- 3Find a safe place to check - Pull over at the next service station, garage, or safe layby. Check all four tyres visually for obvious damage or flat spots.
- 4Check pressure with a gauge - Use a pressure gauge (available at most petrol stations) to check all tyres. Find your car's recommended pressure if you don't know it.
- 5Inflate or seek help - If you have a puncture or severely low pressure, either inflate it temporarily (if you have a compressor) or call breakdown services. Don't risk a blowout on a long journey.
Stop immediately if: The car is pulling strongly to one side, you hear unusual noises, the tyre looks completely flat, or you notice a bulge in the tyre wall. These indicate serious problems that require immediate attention.
When It's Relatively Safe to Continue
You can usually continue driving (carefully) if:
- Pressure is only slightly low (1-3 PSI under) and you're within 20 miles of a garage
- The car handles normally and you're on local roads (not motorways)
- You can drive at moderate speeds (under 50mph) and avoid long distances
- It's a slow puncture that you've been monitoring and you're heading directly to a tyre shop
When to Stop Driving Immediately
Stop driving and call for help if:
- The tyre is visibly flat or bulging - this indicates serious damage
- The car is pulling strongly to one side - this could indicate a puncture or separation
- You hear thumping, flapping, or loud noises from the tyres
- Pressure is extremely low (10+ PSI under) or completely flat
- You're planning a long motorway journey - don't risk it, fix it first
Emergency Options If You Can't Drive
1. Use Tyre Sealant (If You Have It)
If you have emergency tyre sealant in your car, you can use it for small punctures to get you to a garage. Learn more about tyre sealant - remember it's a temporary solution.
2. Call Breakdown Services
If you have breakdown cover, call them. They can inflate your tyres, fit a spare if available, or arrange recovery if the tyre is damaged beyond repair.
3. Find a Nearby Garage
Use your phone to find the nearest garage or tyre shop. Many can send someone to help or will accept a call-out for emergency repairs.
Related Guides
Why Does My Tyre Pressure Keep Dropping?
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Read guide →Find Your Car's Tyre Pressure
Search our database to find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.
Search your car →Check Your Car's Correct Tyre Pressure
Don't risk driving with incorrect pressure. Find the exact recommended PSI for your make and model in our database.
Find Your Car's PressureImportant Safety Notice
Tyre pressures shown on this site are general guides only. Exact pressures depend on your tyre size, load, speed rating and market. Always confirm your pressures using the sticker inside your car's door, your fuel flap or your official owner's manual before driving.