How to check and set your tire pressure

Correct tire pressure keeps the car safe, saves fuel and makes tires last. It is the quickest check you can do yourself.

Which number to use

Use the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s door frame, or in the owner’s manual. Don’t use the maximum number printed on the tire’s sidewall: that is the tire’s limit, not what your car needs.

How to check it

Check when the tires are cold: before driving, or after the car has stood for a few hours.
Unscrew the valve cap and press a tire gauge on firmly.
Compare the reading with the sticker, and add air or release a little until it matches.
Refit the cap. Don’t forget the spare if you have one.

How often

Check once a month and before a long trip. Tires lose a little pressure naturally, and cold weather lowers it further, roughly 1 psi for every 10 °F (about 5.5 °C) the temperature drops.

The warning light

The low tire pressure light usually comes on when a tire is about a quarter below its proper pressure. Don’t ignore it: check all four tires.

Common questions

Why did the light come on when it got cold?

Cold air takes up less space, so pressure drops. Top the tires up to the sticker value and the light usually clears after a short drive.

Is it safe to drive with the light on?

Drive carefully to the nearest place to check and inflate. If a tire looks flat or the car handles oddly, stop and don’t drive on it.

General guidance, not professional advice. Intervals are typical ranges and vary by car, so check your owner’s manual and ask a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure.