What happens if tyre pressure is too high?
Effects of overinflated tyres
Running your tyres above the recommended pressure creates several problems that affect both safety and tyre life.
What happens
- Centre wear — The middle of the tread bulges outward, causing the centre to wear faster than the edges and reducing the tyre's effective lifespan
- Reduced contact patch — Less rubber touches the road, which means less grip for braking and cornering
- Harsher ride — The tyre becomes stiffer and less able to absorb road imperfections
- Increased vulnerability — Overinflated tyres are more susceptible to damage from potholes and road debris
- Less stable cornering — The car can feel less planted and more skittish in corners
What pressure to use
Always use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, which you will find on the door frame sticker or in the handbook. Do not inflate to the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall, as this is the tyre's maximum capacity, not the recommended operating pressure for your vehicle.
