Tyre pressure is one of those things many drivers only think about when a tyre looks flat.

But proper inflation affects much more than that.

It can affect how your car handles, how your tyres wear and even how much fuel you use.

Driving with low tyre pressure

When a tyre is underinflated, more of the tyre flexes as it rolls.

This can increase heat build-up and cause the tyre to wear faster. It can also affect the way the vehicle responds, particularly when cornering or braking.

You may also notice increased fuel consumption because the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle.

What about overinflation?

More pressure isn’t automatically better.

An overinflated tyre can have less contact with the road and may wear unevenly. The ride can also become noticeably harder.

That’s why you shouldn’t simply inflate your tyres to the highest number written on the tyre sidewall.

Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure

Your vehicle manufacturer provides recommended tyre pressures for a reason.

Depending on the vehicle, the recommended pressure may be listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door area, on the fuel flap or in the owner’s manual.

The recommended pressure may also change depending on the load you’re carrying, so check your vehicle’s instructions before a long trip.

Check them regularly

Tyre pressure naturally changes over time, and temperature can also affect pressure.

Make checking your tyre pressure part of your regular car maintenance routine rather than something you only do when a warning light comes on.

And yes, check the spare too.

It might spend most of its life hiding under the boot, but the day you need it is not the day you want to discover that it’s flat.

A small pressure check can make a big difference to the life and performance of your tyres.