Research shows that hundreds of road accidents each year are caused by someone driving with the wrong tyre pressures. Over inflation and under inflation can both be just as serious and life threatening.
Not only this, there is also a legal responsibility for you as the driver to make sure that your tyres and correctly inflated and in a safe condition. The penalties if you fail to adhere to this can often be severe. Currently you could be charged £2500 and be given 3 points on your licence for having (just one) un-satisfactory tyre. Having more than one tyre which does not meet the requirements could cost you £5000 and the loss of your license.
Here’s a guide of how to ensure that your vehicle has the correct tyre pressures…
- Firstly, you will need to check your owner’s manual for the standard tyre pressure figure of your vehicle. This is the amount of inflation that the manufacturer recommends you should have in your tyres to drive safely. Note however, this often varies between the front and back tyres so be sure to adjust the pressure accordingly. Also, check that your car doesn’t need different pressures when fully loaded or towing.
- Next you will need a reliable pressure gauge (often petrol stations are great places to find one). This will allow you to check the current pressure of your tyres. To do this, unscrew the valve stem cap from the valve stem of the tyre and apply the pressure gauge to it. A reading will then appear on the screen showing you the current pressure of your tyres.
- Set the pressure gauge to the correct inflation amount recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure that the pressure gauge is evenly on the stem cap and turn the inflator machine on.
- Once the correct inflation amount is reached, remove the pressure gauge and replace the cap.
- Repeat this process for all the tyres on your vehicle.
