Tyre pressure myths

Myth: the safe number is on the tyre. Fact: that is a maximum. The car’s number is on the door.

Myth: add 5 psi for the motorway. Fact: the placard already assumes highway use. Extra air for a heavy load belongs only if the maker printed a laden column.

Myth: if the tyre looks round, it is fine. Fact: 0.5 bar low is hard to see, especially on stiff or run-flat sidewalls.

Myth: bleed the extra after a hot drive. Fact: that extra is temperature.

Myth: nitrogen means you never check. Fact: nitrogen still leaks, nails still happen, and temperature still moves the gauge.

Myth: TPMS means you can skip monthly checks. Fact: the lamp is a 25% emergency, not a maintenance schedule.

Myth: winter needs lower pressure for snow grip. Fact: stay on the placard; check more often because the cold drops the number for you.

The un-myth: a £20 digital gauge and a calendar reminder will outperform any of the stories above.