Planning a Long Trip? 5 Tyre Pressure Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Journey

At a Glance

Incorrect tyre pressure affects handling, fuel efficiency and tyre lifespan, particularly on long journeys. Common errors include checking tyres when hot, ignoring the spare, failing to adjust for load, relying on visual checks and skipping mid-journey inspections. Addressing these issues helps prevent uneven wear, overheating, and reduced road safety.

Why Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure?

Long journeys are exciting, but they also put extra pressure on your vehicle. One of the most important things to do before setting off is to check your tyre pressure.

Incorrect tyre pressure affects how your car handles and how safely it performs over long distances. Many drivers assume their tyres are in good condition based on appearance alone, but pressure levels can change over time and vary depending on load and temperature. It can also affect the amount of fuel your vehicle utilises on the trip.

Tyre pressure is also closely linked to wheel alignment. If your wheels are misaligned, even correctly inflated tyres can wear unevenly and lose grip over time, leading to handling issues and reducing their lifespan. This can also increase the likelihood of needing a tyre replacement sooner than expected.

If you’re wondering when you should check your tyre pressure, we recommend doing so before long journeys, regardless of how well they’re performing at that time.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to check your tyre pressure correctly. Knowing what to avoid can help you reduce unnecessary wear and enjoy a seamless road trip.

Try to Avoid:

1. Checking Your Pressure When Tyres Are Hot

A tyre inspection checklist often includes checking tyre pressure at the right time for accurate readings. Tyres naturally heat up while driving, which causes the air inside them to expand and give different readings.

If you check your tyre pressure after a long drive, you may think they’re correctly inflated when they’re actually underinflated once they cool down. This can give you a false sense of security and increase wear during long journeys.

For the most reliable results, we recommend checking tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, ideally before you set off. This ensures the readings show the proper pressure and reduces the chances of your tyres overheating on the trip.

2. Ignoring the Spare Tyre Before a Long Drive

Drivers typically focus on the 4 tyres in use and forget about the spare, but this can be a costly oversight on a long journey. If your spare tyre is damaged or past its usable lifespan, it may not be safe to use when you need it most.

As part of basic tyre care, the spare should be included in your pre-trip checks. Tyre pressure in spare wheels can drop over time, especially if they haven’t been inspected for a while.

Checking the spare tyre before a road trip gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re prepared for unexpected situations.

3. Using the Wrong Pressure for a Fully Loaded Car

When your car is carrying extra passengers or luggage, standard tyre pressure levels may not provide the support or performance you need. Additional weight increases the load on your tyres, which can affect stability and overall handling if pressure isn’t adjusted correctly.

Manufacturers typically provide recommended tyre pressure settings for fully loaded vehicles in the owner’s manual or on the information label inside the driver’s door frame.

Checking and adjusting the pressure based on that keeps your tyres ready for the additional weight.

4. Relying Only on Visual Inspection

Tyres can look normal at a glance but still be underinflated. Visual checks don’t accurately detect pressure loss, especially with modern low-profile tyres.

Using a reliable pressure gauge gives you precise readings and helps maintain proper grip on long drives.

5. Not Conducting Regular Checks

Tyre pressure can change during a journey due to temperature shifts and road surfaces. A one-time check before departure is necessary, but may not always be enough, especially if your wheels are slightly out of alignment.

Stopping to recheck tyre pressure on longer trips is essential for maintaining stability and overall tyre performance. 

Contact In Town Automotive for Tyre Replacement Services Today

Making sure your tyres are correctly inflated is just one part of keeping your car safe on long journeys. Regular checks and timely replacements work hand in hand to prevent breakdowns and extend tyre life. For professional support with all aspects of tyre care, In Town Automotive is here to help.

At In Town Automotive, we use top-of-the-line vehicle diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans and also offer a FREE 16-point vehicle health check. Our technicians are well-equipped to address a range of car issues to support your vehicle’s health.

To keep your used car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and more.

With over 1000+ positive reviews on Google, we have a proven track record for delivering reliable car services. Explore our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.