Tire pressure: how much 0.3 bar really matters

A customer comes in saying the tire "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 tire heats up, shoulders wear unevenly.
• 1 bar — risk of rim damage on impacts, longer wet braking.

Where it goes wrong

Setting pressure from the tire'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 tires, every two weeks, and before any long trip. Cold weather drops pressure automatically — same car, same set, different season.

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