Why Tyre Pressure Is the Most Overlooked Safety Check
Tyre pressure is the single most important — and most neglected — aspect of tyre maintenance. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 5%, wear out up to 25% faster, and are significantly more likely to suffer a blowout. Over-inflated tyres reduce grip and cause harsh ride quality. Getting it right takes 5 minutes and costs nothing.
How to Find Your Correct Tyre Pressure
Your vehicle's recommended tyre pressure is NOT on the tyre itself (that number is the maximum). The correct pressure. Your vehicle's recommended pressure is usually on a sticker inside the driver's door — or use our Find My Tyre Size tool to check is found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, in the fuel filler cap, or in your owner's manual. Most NZ passenger vehicles run between 30-36 PSI, while SUVs and utes may need 32-40 PSI depending on load.
How to Check Tyre Pressure
Check pressure when tyres are cold — before driving or at least 3 hours after driving. Hot tyres give artificially high readings. Use a quality digital gauge (available from $15-$30 at auto stores) or use the air station at your local service station. At Carter's Tyres Pukekohe, we check and adjust your pressures free of charge with any visit.
How Often to Check
We recommend checking tyre pressure every 2 weeks and before any long trip. Tyres naturally lose 1-2 PSI per month through the rubber itself, and temperature changes (especially between Franklin's cool mornings and warm afternoons) cause further fluctuation. A quick check at the pump takes under 5 minutes.
The TPMS Warning Light
Many modern vehicles have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a warning light on your dashboard when pressure drops below a threshold. However, TPMS is a last resort warning, not a substitute for regular manual checks. By the time the light comes on, you may already have significant under-inflation.
What Happens at the Wrong Pressure?
Under-inflated: Excessive shoulder wear, increased fuel consumption, overheating risk, blowout danger, poor handling in corners.
Over-inflated: Centre tread wear, reduced grip area, harsher ride, increased vulnerability to pothole damage.
Need a pressure check or concerned about a slow leak? Drop in to Carter's Tyres at 63 Manukau Road, Pukekohe — pressure checks are always free. View all our services.