Under Pressure: The Motorist’s Guide to Tyre Maintenance in 2026

April 2026

In the rush of daily life, routine checks like tyre pressure can easily be overlooked. But it is more important than many drivers realise. The short answer is yes — and here’s why.

Many drivers assume that once their tyres are inflated, they do not need to think about them again unless there is a puncture. In reality, tyre pressure should be checked regularly. 

As a general rule, you should check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and always when the tyres are cold. Tyres that have not been driven on recently will give a more accurate reading than those that are warm from use. 

Top tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone to do it once a month so you don’t forget.

You can buy a tyre pressure gauge or pump for home use at relatively low cost, but it is not essential. Most filling stations have air pumps with built in pressure gauges that are easy to use. 

Before checking your tyres, you need to know the correct pressure for your vehicle. If your car is still fitted with its original wheels, this information is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. It will typically show different pressure levels depending on the load in the car. 

For example, if you are travelling with passengers and luggage, you will need higher tyre pressure than if you are driving alone. For everyday use, select the setting that reflects your usual driving conditions, often shown as one or two occupants.

You might see two different units of measurement used, PSI (pounds per square inch) and bar. 1 PSI is equal to about 0.0689 bar, so if your car's tyre pressure is 32 PSI, it would be around 2.206 bar. Most cars will tell you both numbers and a switch on the tyre pump will usually switch between the two units. Set the pressure you require, pay the fee, which is usually around €1 or so, and then unscrew the dust cap from the valve and place and hold the pump onto the valve and this should activate the unit. You will hear a gentle whoosh of air entering the tyre and most units will stop when you reach the desired pressure, indicated by a beep. Repeat for any other tyres in the car. 

If your tyres were for some reason, overinflated, these machines will let out air out of the tyre until the right pressure is reached. In some cases, you might need to reset the tyre pressure monitoring system on your car if one is fitted.

You might wonder why it is important to check your tyre pressure regularly. Tyres can lose air over time for a number of reasons, even without a puncture. 

For example, tyres exposed to higher temperatures, such as those parked in direct sunlight, can lose air more quickly than those kept in cooler conditions. 

Small differences between tyres are also normal. However, if you find yourself topping up one tyre more often than the others, it could indicate a slow puncture or a minor issue with the valve. In that case, it is worth having it checked.

An active TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning light is an automatic NCT fail. Check the vehicle settings menu or hold the TPMS button for 3 seconds to reset.

Did you know that when it comes to fuel economy or electric vehicle range, the right tyre pressure can have an effect? If your tyres are underinflated, for example, there is more of the tyre in contact with the road. This friction between the tyre and the road is called rolling resistance and as rolling resistance increases, so does the amount of force that the engine (or electric motor in the case of an EV) needs to generate to keep the vehicle moving. A tyre with 25% of the air let out of it may still look like a fully inflated tyre, so you can’t always trust a visual inspection. Low pressure can reduce EV range by up to 10%. Because EVs are heavier, they are even more sensitive to pressure drops than petrol cars. 

Recent Irish road safety data suggests that nearly 70% of cars on our roads are driving on underinflated tyres, leading to millions in wasted fuel annually. Have an EV? The same applies here. If you are underinflated, you will get less range. 

Top Tip: Add a "Dust Cap" reminder. Missing dust caps allow grit to enter the valve, leading to the "slow leaks".

Driving on underinflated tyres is not just a minor oversight, it can pose a real safety risk to you and your passengers. 

When a tyre is underinflated, more of its surface comes into contact with the road. This increases friction, which can lead to overheating. Over time, this causes tyres to wear more quickly, and in more serious cases, the tread can separate, increasing the risk of a blowout. 

Changes in tyre pressure also affect how your car handles. While underinflated tyres can sometimes result in shorter braking distances, they reduce stability and control, particularly at higher speeds. 

Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure helps ensure safer, more predictable performance on the road.

Most Irish forecourts now charge €1.50 to €2.00 for air. A decent portable digital inflator costs roughly €45 in 2026. If you check your tyres monthly as recommended, the home device pays for itself in less than two years and ensures you always check when the tyres are "cold" for maximum accuracy.

Not directly for the pressure itself, but 10.5% of NCT failures in 2026 are due to "Tyre Condition." Underinflation causes the "shoulders" of your tyre to wear out faster than the centre. If that wear becomes uneven or hits the 1.6mm limit, you will fail.

If An Garda Síochána stops you with worn or defective tyres, you face a fixed charge of €80 and 2 penalty points if paid within 28 days. If it goes to court, this rises to 4 penalty points.

This guidance is for general information purposes only. Allianz accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses that may arise from any reliance upon the information contained in this guidance.

Information correct as at 21/04/2026