How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
Regular tyre pressure checks are essential for safety, fuel economy, and tyre longevity. Here's the recommended schedule and when to check more frequently.
Quick Answer
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and always before long journeys. Tyres naturally lose 1-2 PSI per month, so monthly checks catch issues before they become problems.
Recommended Check Schedule
Monthly Checks (Minimum)
Most experts recommend checking tyre pressure at least once per month. This frequency catches natural air loss and slow punctures before they become dangerous.
- • Why monthly: Tyres lose 1-2 PSI naturally per month through permeation
- • Best time: First thing in the morning when tyres are cold
- • What to check: All four tyres plus spare if you have one
- • Set a reminder: Link it to another monthly task (e.g., payday, first of month)
Before Long Journeys
Always check tyre pressure before setting off on trips over 100 miles. Correct pressure is crucial for safety, fuel economy, and comfort on long drives.
- • Safety first: Ensures optimal handling and braking performance
- • Fuel efficiency: Correct pressure saves fuel on long motorway drives
- • Comfort: Properly inflated tyres provide better ride quality
- • Prevent breakdowns: Catches slow punctures before they become roadside emergencies
Seasonal Adjustments
Temperature changes significantly affect tyre pressure. Check more frequently during seasonal transitions.
- • Autumn/Winter: Check every 2-3 weeks as temperatures drop
- • Spring: Check when weather warms up - pressure increases with temperature
- • Temperature effect: Pressure drops approximately 1 PSI per 10°F decrease
- • Sudden cold snaps: Check after unexpected temperature drops
After Hitting Potholes or Kerbs
Any impact with road hazards can damage tyres or rims, causing rapid pressure loss.
- • Immediate check: Inspect visually and check pressure right away
- • Monitor closely: Recheck after 24 hours to catch slow leaks
- • Professional inspection: If pressure drops, visit a garage to check for rim damage
When TPMS Warning Light Appears
Modern cars have Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems that alert you to pressure loss.
- • Check immediately: Don't ignore the warning light
- • Find safe location: Pull over or head to nearest petrol station
- • Check all tyres: TPMS may not indicate which tyre is low
- • After fixing: Monitor pressure daily for a week to ensure no slow leak
Best Practices for Checking Pressure
- Check when tyres are cold - before driving or after 3+ hours parked
- Use a reliable gauge - digital gauges are more accurate than analog
- Check all four tyres plus the spare if your vehicle has one
- Compare to recommended pressure from door sticker, not tyre sidewall
- Keep a pressure gauge in your car for convenience
- Set a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar
When to Visit a Garage
- •Rapid pressure loss: If a tyre loses more than 5 PSI in 24 hours, you likely have a leak
- •TPMS light won't reset: After correcting pressure, if the warning persists, the sensor may be faulty
- •Uneven wear patterns: If tyres show unusual wear, have them professionally inspected
- •Can't find recommended pressure: If your door sticker is missing, a garage can help identify correct pressure
- •Rim damage: After hitting a pothole or kerb, have rims checked for bends or cracks
- •Annual service: Include tyre pressure check in your yearly vehicle service
Quick Reference Checklist
Regular Checks
- ✓ Monthly (minimum)
- ✓ Before long journeys
- ✓ Seasonal transitions
Special Circumstances
- ✓ After hitting potholes
- ✓ When TPMS light appears
- ✓ After tyre repairs
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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.