The recommended tyre pressure for your car is usually found in the owner’s manual. Alternatively, on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, or on the inside of the fuel filler cap. It’s essential to follow these guidelines. This insures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Regularly checking and maintaining the right tyre pressure is a simple yet effective way to enhance safety, save money, and reduce environmental impact.
You should check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold for the most accurate reading.
If you look at the above sticker you can see an arrow pointing down from the picture of the car. This shows the entries in the table below for front tyre pressure and rear tyre pressure.
You can also see on the left hand side of the table a drawing showing the load you are putting in your car. The first horizontal line shows what tyre pressures are front and rear for up to three people and light luggage. The second horizontal line on the table is if you have a maximum load in the car.
The table shows the two measures of pressure, bar and PSI. In Spain most tyre pumps are in bar. So if the vehicle with this sticker was carrying up to 3 people and light luggage you would make sure the tyre pressue was 2,5 (2.5 in English) for both the front and rear tyres.
Why is it important to maintain the correct air pressure for the tyres on your car?
- Safety: Proper tyre pressure enhances traction, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Well-inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency and saving money on petrol/diesel.
- Tyre Longevity: Correct pressure helps distribute the vehicle’s weight evenly across the tyre tread, promoting even wear and extending tyre life. Tyre tread is one of the aspects that may be looked at in the regular ITV road safety checks.
- Handling and Performance: Adequate pressure ensures better vehicle handling, responsiveness, and overall performance.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Improved fuel efficiency results in lower carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
