Use the vehicle manufacturer’s specified cold tyre pressures for the load being carried. Do not copy the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall.
What to check
Check the handbook, door-pillar label or fuel-flap information.
Pressure can differ front-to-rear and between normal and fully laden use.
Repeated pressure loss needs investigation rather than repeated topping-up.
Check pressure under consistent conditions
Use the manufacturer cold-pressure values and a reliable gauge. Recheck after load changes and before long journeys. If one tyre repeatedly loses more pressure than the others, investigate the valve, bead, rim and tyre rather than normalising repeated top-ups.
Pressure affects more than economy
Incorrect inflation changes the tyre footprint, heat generation, steering response and wear pattern. A TPMS warning is useful, but it is not a substitute for manual checks.
TyreDeck can help you spot warning signs, but it cannot inspect the tyre internally, measure damage, verify pressure calibration or certify that a tyre is safe to drive on. If you are unsure, avoid unnecessary driving and arrange a competent physical inspection.
What to do next
A garage or competent tyre professional can inspect pressure loss, ageing, fitment or another condition that cannot be confirmed online.
Sources and review
- Jurisdiction
- United Kingdom
- Last verified
- 2026-08-29
- Primary sources
- The Highway Code / GOV.UK
DVSA MOT inspection manual