Tyre pressure: how much 0.3 bar really matters

A customer comes in saying the tyre "feels a bit soft". They are often right — they just do not know how little makes a difference.

Three numbers anyone understands

• 0.3 bar below spec — raises rolling resistance enough to add 3–4% to annual fuel.
• 0.5 bar — sidewalls flex, the tyre heats up, shoulders wear unevenly.
• 1 bar — risk of rim damage on impacts, longer wet braking.

Where it goes wrong

Setting pressure from the tyre's sidewall table instead of the vehicle's door sticker. Or setting it higher "just in case" — too hard wears the centre and slides on wet roads.

When to check

Cold tyres, every two weeks, and before any long trip. Cold weather drops pressure automatically — same car, same set, different season.

→ See pricing, features or book a demo.

Read also