Just over half of UK motorists check their tyre pressures at least once per month, according to research commissioned by Apollo Tyres. Of the 1,000 motorists polled, 15 per cent say they check their tyre pressures weekly, 11 per cent say once a fortnight, and 29 per cent once per month.
Apollo Tyres advises drivers to check their tyre pressures at least once per month, but many do so less frequently: 19 per cent say they check once per quarter, 9 per cent once every six months and 3 per cent say they complete a check just once per year. 8 per cent never check their tyre pressures.
When it comes to tread depth, in the Apollo Tyres UK survey, a significant 15 per cent say they never conduct such checks. Among those that do assess tread depth, the frequencies cited most often are once per month (22%) and once per quarter (17%). While the legal minimum tread depth in Europe is 1.6mm, Apollo Tyres advises motorists to replace tyres when the tread depth falls to 2mm. The tread main grooves on a tyre have a Tread Wear Indicator (TWI); when the tread is worn down to these indicators, the tyre has reached the minimum legal level.
A significant majority (79%) say they check the sidewall and tread of their tyres for damage, although the frequency of these checks varies considerably. Monthly checks are the most common (21%), followed by quarterly checks (16%). 15% say they only assess sidewall and tread for damage once per year or less, while 16% never carry out such checks.
Less than half of EU motorists do monthly tyre checks
Perhaps surprisingly, less than half of European motorists conduct the recommended check of tyre pressures at least once per month, according to the parallel European Apollo Tyres survey. Of the 6,000 motorists polled in this case, 8 per cent say they check their tyre pressures weekly, 10 per cent say once a fortnight, and 29 per cent once per month.
24 per cent say they check their pressures once a quarter, 13 per cent once every six months and 5 per cent say they complete a check just once per year. 5 per cent never check their tyre pressures.
“Tyre pressures should ideally be checked every 14 days, and as a minimum at least once a month and always before a long journey,” advises Yves Pouliquen, Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Apollo Tyres. “Drivers should also periodically check the pressure of the spare tyre so it can be relied upon in the event of an emergency, noting that these tyres often need to operate at a higher pressure.”
“If you do not have the instruction manual to hand, you can typically find the recommended tyre pressures on the B-pillar beside the driver or inside of the tank filler flap,” says Pouliquen. “It’s important to note that pressures will often be different from front to rear, to account for the vehicle’s fixed distribution of weight and to allow for any temporary increase in load – for example when carrying multiple passengers or luggage.”
Tyre and vehicle manufacturers also recommend that owners conduct regular checks of tread depth, to ensure grip and traction is maintained. However, in the Apollo Tyres survey, a significant 11 per cent say they never conduct such checks. Among those that do assess tread depth, the frequencies cited most often are once per quarter (20%) and once per month (18%).
A significant majority (84%) say they check the sidewall and tread of their tyres for damage, although the frequency of these checks varies considerably. Monthly checks are the most common (21%), followed by quarterly checks (19%). 12 per cent say they only assess sidewall and tread for damage once per year or less, while 12 per cent never carry out such checks.
As well as the European standard for normal tread depth, for winter tyres, weather considerations mean that the wear limit is set at 4mm. Winter tyres with less than 4mm tread depth cease, in principle, to be true winter tyres and in some countries this is laid down by law. In addition to the TWI, winter tyres also have a Winter Wear Indicator (WWI), with a height of 4mm indicating the effective limit for operation in winter conditions.
Tyre pressure check FAQ
Why check tyre pressures?
Tyre under-inflation reduces vehicle stability, accelerates tyre wear and increases fuel consumption. If the tyre pressure is very low the tyre can overheat, causing irreparable damage. Meanwhile, excess tyre pressures reduce driving comfort and safety because the portion of the tyre in contact with the road surface will be smaller.
When to check tyre pressures
Apollo Tyres advises drivers to check their tyre pressures at least once a month. Apollo Tyres also advises that pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold (at least two hours after the most recent journey), and drivers should set the pressure to the level recommended by the car manufacturer.
How to find tyre pressures
If you don’t have the instruction manual to hand, you can typically find the recommended tyre pressures on the B-pillar beside the driver or inside of the tank filler flap. Tyre pressures will often be different from front to rear. Different pressures are needed for loaded and unloaded cars as well.
