30A Maroondah Highway, Ringwood 3134. 30A Maroondah Highway, Ringwood 3134. 
There’s one small thing that can affect how your car drives and wears over time, and that’s tyre pressure. When it’s too low, your car can be harder to steer, slower to brake, and use more fuel, while also causing your tyres to wear out faster. When it’s too high, you can end up with uneven tyre wear and less contact with the road.
At Ringwood Autohaus, we help drivers keep their cars safe and ready for the road. Here’s a simple guide to getting your tyre pressure right.
Tyre pressure is shown in PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch, though you might also see it listed in kPa. Many passenger cars sit between 30–36 PSI, or 210–250 kPa.
You’ll usually find the correct tyre pressure for your car on the tyre placard inside the driver’s door jamb. It may also be listed inside the fuel flap or in your owner’s manual. While mechanics check tyre pressure during logbook servicing, it’s still a good idea to check it regularly yourself.
For the most accurate reading, check your tyres when they’re cold. That means the car has been driven less than 1.5km or has been parked for a while. Here’s how to check them:
Most petrol stations will have an air compressor to check pressure and inflate your tyres, marked as “Air & Water”. Here’s how to use it:
The correct tyre pressure depends on your car. A hatchback, SUV or loaded wagon may all need different pressures, and some vehicles have different recommendations for front and rear tyres.
Cars normally list the correct pressure on the tyre placard inside the driver’s door jamb. If it’s missing or hard to read, check the owner’s manual, fuel flap or ask your mechanic.
If one tyre keeps dropping below the correct pressure, there could be a slow leak, valve issue, or a problem with the wheel or tyre. Our services and repairs team can check it properly and let you know what’s going on.
Most newer cars have a tyre monitoring system (TPMS). This keeps an eye on your tyres and alerts you when the pressure drops below a safe level.
There are two types of TPMS:
Both systems will display a warning light if they detect low tyre pressure.
Sometimes the tyre pressure warning light will stay on even after you’ve topped up your tyres. This often just means the system needs to be reset so it knows the tyres are back at the right pressure.
Some cars reset automatically after a short drive. Others need to be reset through the dashboard menu, the infotainment system or the button inside the car. Before you reset it, make sure all tyres are at the recommended pressure.
If the light comes back, there may be a slow leak, a faulty valve, a damaged tyre, or a sensor issue. You can book a diagnostic check, and we’ll inspect it properly.
A good habit is to check your tyre pressure once a month, and before any long drive. Tyres can lose pressure slowly over time, even when they look fine. Regular checks help you catch small leaks early, keep the car handling properly and avoid uneven tyre wear.
Yes, tyre pressure does increase with heat. As you drive, the tyres warm up, and the air inside expands, which can make the pressure reading higher. Cold weather can do the opposite and cause tyre pressure to drop. That’s why a warning light might appear on a cold morning, even if the pressure was fine the day before.
For the most accurate reading, check your tyres when they’re cold. Seasonal temperature changes can affect pressure, too, so it’s worth checking more often when the temperature rises or drops significantly.
You can drive if the tyre pressure is only slightly low, but it’s best to go straight to a service station and inflate it. Underinflated tyres can reduce handling, increase stopping distance, use more fuel and wear unevenly. They can also run hotter, which increases the risk of tyre damage or a blowout.
Tyres can lose pressure even without a puncture. A small amount of air naturally escapes through the rubber over time, and issues like worn valve stems or minor bead leaks, where the tyre seals against the wheel, can also cause slow pressure loss.
A gradual drop is normal, but if one tyre is losing pressure faster than the others, it could point to a slow leak or another issue. If you’re heading away or planning a long drive, check your tyre pressure before you leave so you can pick up on any low-pressure issues before they become a roadside problem. It’s a simple one to include with your usual car checks before a trip.
If you’re having issues with your tyre pressure or your warning light keeps coming on, give us a call or book your vehicle in for a diagnostic check. We’ll identify the issue, explain what we find and help you work out what needs attention.
Remove the valve cap, press a tyre pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem and read the pressure. Compare it with the recommended PSI on your tyre placard, then inflate or deflate the tyre as needed.
What PSI car tyres should be depends on the vehicle. Many passenger cars sit between 30–36 PSI, but you should always use the pressure listed on your vehicle’s tyre placard or in the owner’s manual.
Check your tyre pressure once a month and before long trips. It’s also smart to check after major temperature changes or if the car feels different on the road.
Your car may automatically reset the warning light after a short drive. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to reset it through the dashboard menu, infotainment screen or reset button, depending on your vehicle.
You should avoid driving on low tyre pressure for longer than necessary. It can affect handling, braking, fuel use and tyre safety. Inflate the tyre as soon as possible or get help if the tyre looks very low.
Yes. Tyres can slowly lose air over time, and pressure can also change with temperature. Valve issues, bead leaks or small unseen damage can also cause pressure loss.
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