Written by Speed Service
Honest, hands-on advice from our workshop at 99 Cross Keys Rd, Salisbury.
We review our guides as workshop advice and Australian road rules change.
The short version
Short on time? Here's what this guide covers — scroll on for the detail.
- Why tyre pressure matters
- Where to find the right pressure
- How to check your tyre pressure
- How often should you check?
- Common pressure mistakes
Not sure where your car's at? We'll check it for you — call 0481 309 775.
Tyre pressure is one of the simplest things to get right and one of the most commonly ignored. Correct pressure keeps you safe, helps your tyres last longer, and even saves you money at the bowser. Yet most drivers never check it until a tyre looks visibly flat, by which point it's been doing damage for a while.
This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your tyres at the right pressure all year round.
Why tyre pressure matters
Running the correct pressure affects almost everything about how your car drives:
- Safety: under-inflated tyres overheat, handle poorly and can fail at highway speed.
- Tyre life: wrong pressure causes uneven wear and shortens tyre life significantly.
- Fuel economy: soft tyres create more rolling resistance, so you burn more fuel.
- Braking and grip: correct pressure gives the best contact patch and stopping power.
Where to find the right pressure
The correct pressure for your car is listed on the tyre placard, a small sticker usually inside the driver's door jamb, sometimes in the fuel filler flap or glovebox. It lists the recommended pressures in PSI or kPa for normal and fully loaded driving. Importantly, this is the figure to follow — not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall, which is the tyre's limit, not the recommendation for your car.
Normal vs loaded pressures
Most placards list a higher pressure for when the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Before a road trip with a full car, bump your pressures up to the loaded figure for better handling and tyre life.
Rather have us take a look?
We do this sort of work every day at our Salisbury workshop. Bring the car in for an honest assessment and a clear quote before anything happens — no surprises, no pressure.
How to check your tyre pressure
Checking takes just a few minutes:
- 1Check pressures when the tyres are cold — before driving, or after less than a couple of kilometres. Driving heats the air and raises the reading.
- 2Unscrew the valve cap and press a pressure gauge firmly onto the valve.
- 3Compare the reading to your placard figure and inflate or release air as needed.
- 4Don't forget the spare — it's no use being flat when you need it.
- 5Refit the valve caps to keep dirt and moisture out.
How often should you check?
Once a month is a good habit, plus before any long trip. Tyres naturally lose a little air over time, and changes in temperature affect pressure too. In Adelaide's swing from cold winter mornings to scorching summer days, pressures can drift noticeably between seasons.
Common pressure mistakes
- Checking pressures hot and then letting air out — this leaves you under-inflated once cool.
- Following the sidewall maximum instead of the placard figure.
- Inflating all four to the same number when front and rear specs differ.
- Ignoring the spare for years until it's needed and flat.
Let us take the guesswork out
If you're ever unsure, the team at Speed Service is happy to check and set your pressures for you. Drop in at 99 Cross Keys Rd, Salisbury or call 0481 309 775. It's a quick job that makes a real difference to safety and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the correct tyre pressure for my car?
On the tyre placard — usually a sticker in the driver's door jamb, fuel flap or glovebox. Use that figure, not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall.
Should I check tyre pressure when hot or cold?
Cold, meaning before driving or after only a short distance. Driving warms the air and gives a falsely high reading, which can leave you under-inflated once the tyres cool.
How often should I check my tyre pressure?
About once a month and before any long trip. Tyres lose air slowly over time and temperature changes affect pressure, which matters with Adelaide's seasonal swings.
