when would you increase tyre pressure

You would increase tyre pressure when the car is carrying a heavier load , such as extra passengers or lots of luggage, and sometimes before long high- speed trips. Tyre pressure can also need a small adjustment for different conditions, but the safest baseline is always the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the vehicle placard or handbook.

When to raise it

• Heavy load in the car, like passengers plus luggage.

• Before a long motorway or highway journey, especially if the vehicle will be loaded.

• In some driving setups, such as track use or certain off-road conditions, pressure may be adjusted for performance or traction, but that is different from normal road driving.

What to avoid

• Don’t inflate above the vehicle maker’s recommended values for normal road use.

• Check tyres when they are cold , because heat from driving can change the reading.

• If pressure is dropping quickly, that usually points to a puncture or valve problem rather than a need to add air.

Practical rule

If you’re not carrying extra weight and you’re not preparing for a special driving situation, you usually should not increase tyre pressure at all. The correct figure is the one on the door placard or in the handbook, and that should be your starting point.

TL;DR

Increase tyre pressure mainly for heavy loads or some long- distance/high-speed situations, then return to the normal recommended pressure afterward.