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Your tyres are what keep your car moving, so it’s essential that you check your tyre pressure regularly in order to stay safe on the roads. You might not notice it but, generally speaking, your tyres will lose air at a rate of up to two pounds every month - and even more in hot weather.
So, when you’re routinely inspecting the condition of your car or performing last-minute checks before a long drive, make sure that one of the first things you look at is the condition of your tyres. Particularly, your tyre pressure.
Not sure what your vehicle’s tyre pressure should be? Read on to find out.
Why the correct tyre pressure is so important
When your tyres are maintained well, they typically last longer and respond better to your car’s steering. But, having the wrong pressure in your tyres can make driving dangerous, as it affects your ability to brake properly, as well as affecting the handling of your vehicle while you’re driving.
Incorrect tyre pressure also increases the likelihood of punctures and tyre damage from hazards like potholes. As well as this, misinflated tyres could end up potentially costing you more due to the risk of blowing out your tyre and increased fuel consumption.
Ensuring your tyre pressure is correct will help with the following things:
Improved vehicle stability and handling
Underinflated front tyres increase ‘understeer’ while low tyre pressure on the rear axle increases ‘over steer’. If all tyres are low on pressure, then the steering of your car will become generally sluggish altogether. Correctly inflated tyres make for much easier steering.
Increased fuel economy
Correctly inflated tyres have less rolling resistance which means more miles to the gallon for the driver. To break this down a little, if your tyres are inflated enough, they won’t drag on the road as they would if they were under inflated, causing friction and requiring more power (and fuel) to move your car forwards.
Greater tyre lifespan
Tyres will wear up to 25% faster if they are not correctly inflated – which means shelling out for new tyres more often. Underinflated tyres are prone to excessive wear on the inside and outside edges of the tread. But, more concerningly, if your tyre pressure drops too low it can lead to tyre failure which can be catastrophic if travelling at speed.
The correct tyre pressure
Checking your tyres regularly, or before a long distance journey, can prevent any tyre pressure issues that might slip under the radar. But when it comes to the correct tyre pressure, there is no ‘one size fits all’ measurement. With so many different types of makes and models of cars, identifying the right pressure for your car can feel overwhelming.
At KwikFit, we have an online tyre pressure tool that has been designed to remove the stress of having to look through endless lists of car makes and models. Instead, you can type in your vehicle number plate, and we’ll provide you with the right tyre pressure for your car. Please be aware that if you are using your vehicle to carry additional weight, you should always consult your car’s handbook for the correct laden pressure.
All you have to do is type in your vehicle’s number plate and we’ll provide you with the right tyre pressure for your car. Please be aware that if you are using your vehicle to carry additional weight, you should always consult your car’s handbook for the correct laden pressure.
Too little or too much pressure
If the pressure of your tyres is higher or lower than the approved levels, you can rectify this quite simply. If the pressure of your tyres is too low, you can use an air pump to inflate your tyres. You can do this at home, or at petrol stations that offer an air pump.
In the event that the pressure of your tyres is too high, you can remove the dust cap and carefully release some of the air in the tyres. Make sure that you do this slowly and carefully, and remember that you will need to recheck the pressure after to ensure that it is correct. If you let too much air go from the tyres, you might find yourself having to find an air pump to top them up.
Tyre inspections with Kwik Fit
While our tyre pressure tool includes a vast range of makes and models, if we are unable to provide you with your recommended tyre pressure, or if you have any concerns about the overall condition of your tyres, we can help. Here at Kwik Fit, we offer a free tyre inspection at all of our centres. All you have to do is book your free tyre inspection online and our trained technicians will be able to inform you of the recommended pressures for the front and rear tyres after carrying out a thorough check of all your tyres.
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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