How to check the tire pressure of a car?

Having tires inflated to the correct pressure is important for better road grip and therefore better vehicle safety. It’s worth noting that tire pressure also affects comfort and even your car’s fuel consumption. Therefore, it’s essential to know the correct tire pressure and when and how to check it.

Why and when should you check your car’s tire pressure? For safety reasons, it’s best to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Tire pressure is measured in bar. This pressure is generally between 1.8 and 3 bar. Depending on your car and tire model, it’s possible to estimate the ideal pressure for maximum performance. For example, the tire pressure for a Fiat 500 should be between 2.0 and 2.4 bar to perform optimally, while the tire pressure for a Peugeot 208 varies between 2.2 and 2.7 bar. Therefore, it is important to check your tire pressure regularly for safety and comfort. Tire pressure is directly related to tire temperature, so ideally, you should check it when the tires are cold, meaning when the car hasn’t moved for at least two hours or has traveled less than three kilometers before checking. If you check the pressure when the tires are warm, you must add 0.3 bar to the indicated pressure to compensate for the pressure increase caused by the tire warming up after use. How do you check your tire pressure?

First and foremost, you need to know the recommended inflation pressure for your tires. This information should normally be found on a sticker on the driver’s side door or on the fuel filler flap. If you can’t find it, it’s also listed in your car’s owner’s manual. Note that this pressure is not the same for the front and rear tires and also varies depending on the vehicle’s load. Once you have this information, locate the tire valve and remove the plastic cap designed to prevent pressure loss. After unscrewing the valve, insert the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and check the reading. It’s important to insert the gauge fully, as incorrect positioning can give inaccurate tire pressure readings. For this, you’ll need either a digital or a mechanical gauge that provides an instant reading. Compare the reading on the pressure gauge to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and adjust the inflation if necessary. When the two readings match, simply remove the pressure gauge and close the valve.