The Science Behind the Numbers
When a tyre is under-inflated, a larger area of the tread contacts the road surface. This increases rolling resistance — the force your engine must overcome to keep the car moving. According to tyre industry data, a tyre that is 10psi below the correct pressure increases fuel consumption by roughly one per cent. Running four tyres at 10psi low adds up to a meaningful cost over a full year of driving.
Finding the Correct Pressure for Your Car
The recommended pressure for your vehicle is printed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual — not on the tyre sidewall, which shows the maximum pressure the tyre can handle. Many cars specify different pressures for front and rear, and a higher pressure when carrying a full load. Always check pressures when the tyres are cold, as heat from driving temporarily increases the reading.
How Often Should Newport Drivers Check?
Tyre industry bodies recommend checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before any long journey. With Newport sitting at the junction of the M4 and A-roads leading into the South Wales valleys, many local drivers cover significant mileage. A monthly pressure check is a small investment of five minutes that pays back in reduced fuel bills and extended tyre life.
TPMS — Your Electronic Safety Net
All cars sold in the UK since November 2014 must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The dashboard warning light activates when pressure drops 25% below the recommended level — but at that point the handling and fuel efficiency are already significantly compromised. Don't wait for the light; check pressures manually every month.
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