The short answer: check pressure at least once a month and before any long journey, and glance at your tyres every time you walk up to the car. Check tread depth and sidewall condition monthly too.
Pressure: monthly and before trips
Tyres lose a little air naturally, and temperature changes make the figure move. A tyre can be well below the right pressure and still look fine, particularly on low-profile and run-flat tyres. Use a reliable gauge, measure when the tyres are cold, and compare with the figures in the handbook or on the label in the door frame or fuel flap. Do not use the maximum pressure moulded on the sidewall as your target. See TPMS light on if your car has a warning system, and don't rely on it alone.
Adjust pressure for loads: if you carry passengers, luggage or a trailer, use the higher figure if one is given. See van tyres and caravan and trailer tyres.
Tread depth: monthly
The legal minimum in Great Britain for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the whole circumference. Many experts suggest changing at 3mm because wet braking gets noticeably worse as tread wears. Use a tread depth gauge or the tread wear indicators in the grooves. See tread depth and the legal limit.
Condition: monthly
Walk round the car in good light and look for:
- Nails, screws and stones in the tread.
- Cuts, cracks and gouges on the sidewall.
- Bulges and bumps; see tyre bulge in the sidewall.
- Uneven wear, such as one edge worn more than the other.
- Missing valve caps and leaking valves; see leaking tyre valve.
Age: every six months
Look at the date code and note how old each tyre is; see DOT code guide. Check the spare too.
Before a long journey or holiday
Check pressures including the spare, inspect for damage, and make sure you have the means to deal with a puncture: a spare and tools, a repair kit, the locking nut key and a breakdown number. See what to do after a puncture.
After an impact
Hit a pothole or kerb hard? Pull over when safe and look at the tyre and wheel. Check again after a few days, because bulges can develop later. See pothole tyre damage.
A simple monthly routine
- Pick the same day each month.
- Check all four tyres and the spare with a gauge, cold.
- Look at tread and sidewalls.
- Note anything unusual and act on it.
- Write the pressures in your phone to spot any slow drift.
Signs you should check sooner
Pulling to one side, vibration, noise, a pressure warning, a soft feel to the steering and a visibly flat tyre all mean stop and check now. See slow puncture signs.
When to call a professional
If you find a nail, bulge or cut, or cannot get a tyre to hold pressure, call a technician. We can come to you: see mobile tyre fitting, puncture repair and emergency tyre fitting. We cover areas like London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Tools worth owning
A decent pressure gauge, a tread depth gauge and a small torch cost very little and last for years. A portable compressor is useful for topping up at home without a trip to the forecourt. Keep them in the boot, along with the locking wheel nut key and a pair of gloves. Digital gauges are easy to read, but check them against a second gauge now and then, since cheap ones can drift.
Common mistakes when checking
Measuring tyres straight after a long drive gives a reading that is too high because the air is warm. Using the sidewall maximum as the target is another error. Forgetting the spare is a third. Finally, many people only check the pressure and never look at the tyre itself, so a nail or a cut goes unseen until the tyre is flat. Make the visual check part of the same routine.
Teaching the habit
If you share a car with a partner or family, show them how to check pressures too, and agree who does it each month. A shared note in the glovebox with the correct pressures for normal and loaded use removes guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check tyre pressure?
At least monthly, and before long journeys or heavy loads.
Should I check tyres hot or cold?
Cold, before driving or after the car has stood for a few hours.
Where do I find the right pressure?
In the handbook, on the door frame label or the fuel flap.
Can you check my tyres at home?
Yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.