If your business relies on vehicles, whether that’s a small fleet or just your own work car, then checking your tyre pressure isn’t just a safety measure, it’s a money-saving habit that keeps your business running smoothly.
For sole traders and SMEs in particular, every mile matters. While it’s easy to assume your tyres are fine between MOTs or servicing, underinflated tyres can cause poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and leads to faster wear and tear.
Over time, that leads to unexpected costs and downtime.
Tyre pressure checks are quick and simple, and they help you:
- Stay safe on the road
- Avoid costly breakdowns
- Cut your fuel bills
- Extend the life of your tyres
In this guide, we’ll break down how often to check your tyre pressure, how to do it efficiently, and how small maintenance habits can result in big savings.
How Often You Should Check Tyre Pressure
You should check your tyre pressure once a month.
For SMEs or businesses with multiple vehicles, monthly checks help keep downtime low and reduce the chance of unexpected maintenance costs.
Make sure you check tyres when they’re cold as this gives you the most accurate reading. The RAC advises waiting around 4 hours after driving or checking them first thing in the morning before you start your trip.
Maintaining the health of your tyres, and your vehicle overall, is even easier with a FuelQ card. Thanks to our exclusive partnership with Halfords, users enjoy discounts in-store, 7% off online purchases, 10% off at service centres, and even a free MOT with a full or major service. It’s just one of the ways we help you keep your vehicles road-ready without stretching your budget.
Start saving now by applying for a FuelQ card in minutes.
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
As we’ve mentioned, checking your tyre pressure is easy and only takes a couple of minutes.
All you have to do is:
- Check that your tyres are cold – For the most accurate reading, check your tyres when the car hasn’t been driven for at least 3-4 hours.
- Find the recommended tyre pressure – There’s usually a sticker inside the driver’s door, inside the fuel cap, or in your car’s handbook. Front and rear tyres may have different recommended pressures so it’s always best to check.
- Remove the valve cap from your tyre – Unscrew the small cap on the air valve of the tyre you want to check. Make sure you keep the cap somewhere safe as you’ll need to screw it back on afterwards.
- Press the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve – Regardless of whether you’re using a handheld gauge or one at a petrol station, press it firmly onto the valve to obtain a clear reading.
- Check the reading – The gauge will show you the current pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR. Compare this to the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
- Adjust the pressure if needed – If the gauge shows that your tyre pressure is too low, add air using the pump until it reaches the correct level. If the pressure is too high, release some air by pressing the valve gently until it drops to the right level.
- Replace the valve caps – Screw the caps back on each valve once you’re done to keep out dust and debris.
- Make it part of your routine – If you manage a fleet, building this into your vehicle checks can help reduce fuel usage across the board and extend the lifespan of your tyres.
Where to Check Your Tyre Pressure
You can check your tyre pressure either at home or at a petrol station.
If you’re checking them at home, you’ll need a handheld pressure gauge and, ideally, a portable air compressor if you need to top them up.
Petrol stations also have pressure gauges, however, they’re usually more advanced. On most forecourts, you’ll find both a pressure gauge (displaying readings in both PSI and BAR) and an air pump. Many of these machines allow you to set your desired pressure with simple +/- buttons so anyone can use them.
Many garages offer free tyre checks (some with inflation included). If you’re using Halfords for servicing, you can also claim a free MOT with a full or major service through your FuelQ card perks.
How to Find the Right Tyre Pressure
The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found in one of the following places:
- Driver’s side door frame – There’ll usually be a label which shows the recommended pressure for both front and rear tyres.
- Vehicle handbook – The manual that came with your car will include tyre pressure recommendations.
- Manufacturer’s website – If you’re unable to find the information in your car, you can often check the car manufacturer’s website or contact them.
Why Checking Your Tyre Pressure Is Important
For SMEs, small fleets, and sole traders, vehicle maintenance is business maintenance. Underinflated tyres increase fuel use, risk of breakdown, and wear and tear.
That’s money off your bottom line and potentially time off the road which is especially frustrating if your vehicle is central to how you earn.
Properly inflated tyres can improve fuel efficiency, last longer, and deliver a smoother, safer driving experience.
Combined with a FuelQ card, you can stretch your fuel even further. You’ll save money at the pump every time you fill up and get exclusive Halfords discounts online and in-store.
Start saving now by applying for a FuelQ card in minutes.
How Tyre Pressure Is Measured
Tyre pressure is most commonly measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and bar. These two units show how much air is inside of your tyres so you can make sure they’re properly inflated:
PSI (pounds per square inch) – This is the standard unit of measure in the UK and US. It measures the force exerted by the air inside of the type per square inch of surface area. Most vehicles are usually between 30-35 PSI but check for your vehicle’s specific requirements.
Bar – This unit of pressure is most commonly used in Europe. 1 bar is roughly equal to 14.5 PSI, so tyre pressures are often listed in both units. As an example, a recommended pressure of 2.3 bar is about 33 PSI.
Many tyre pressure gauges and air pumps display both units, so it’s easy to switch between them depending on your preference or vehicle specifications.
Checking for A Slow Puncture
For those who rely on their car every day, a slow puncture can be a hidden risk that leads to unexpected downtime and costly repairs. Unlike a sudden flat tyre, a slow puncture releases air gradually, making it harder to detect until the tyre pressure has significantly dropped.
Unchecked slow punctures can compromise vehicle handling and safety, both of which are key factors when your business relies on keeping vehicles on the road.
There are some common signs of a slow puncture such as:
- Debris in the tyre – Inspect your tyres for any clear damage. If you spot a nail, screw, shard of glass, or other debris embedded in the rubber, there’s a good chance it’s letting air escape slowly.
- The car pulls to one side – On a level road, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and see if the car veers off to one side. If it does, one of your tyres may be underinflated due to a slow puncture.
- Poor performance – If your car feels bumpier than usual, it could be due to a drop in tyre pressure. Reduced grip and compromised suspension are also signs of a slow puncture.
- Worn or damaged tyre sidewall – Tyres running at low pressure are more likely to bulge at the sides, which causes the sidewall to wear down faster. Over time, contact with the road can lead to more visible signs of wear.
- Clicking or tapping sounds while driving – If you hear a clicking noise that speeds up with your car, it’s often a sign that you’ve got debris caught in the tyre.
To keep your vehicles safe and operational, make regular tyre pressure checks a part of your maintenance routine, especially if you notice any warning signs.
How and When to Check Your Tyre Pressure
Checking your tyre pressure monthly is a small task that can save you serious money and stress.
Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by creating more rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder to keep you moving. This means regular tyre checks are one of the easiest ways to boost fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.
When you use a FuelQ card, the savings stack up. You can cut costs at the pump, get 7% off Halfords essentials, and claim a free MOT when you book a full or major service. Apply online in minutes and start saving today.
