How to Check Tyre Pressure Without a Gauge
No gauge to hand? While not perfect, there are a few tricks to get a rough sense of whether your tyres are dangerously low — and what to do next.
The Visual and Physical Checks
Without a gauge, you can still get a rough sense of tyre pressure through observation. Crouch down beside each tyre and look at how the tyre meets the road. A severely under-inflated tyre will show obvious bulging at the sidewall — the tyre will look flat or notably wider than normal at the base. A tyre at the correct pressure has a slight, barely perceptible bulge.
The thumb test is a rough field check that experienced drivers sometimes use: press your thumb firmly into the tyre sidewall. A correctly inflated tyre should feel very firm — your thumb should barely indent it at all. If the sidewall feels soft or spongy, the tyre is likely low on pressure. This is not a substitute for a gauge but can identify a seriously under-inflated tyre.
The Right Thing to Do
If you suspect a tyre is low on pressure, find a petrol station with a tyre pressure point as soon as possible. Most UK petrol stations have them, and many are free to use. Inflate to the correct pressure for your vehicle (check the door jamb sticker or owner's manual) and get a proper gauge reading.
Invest in a quality digital tyre pressure gauge to keep in your car. They cost from around £10 to £20 and can be used at home whenever you need to check pressures. Checking your tyres cold at home before a journey is always more accurate than checking at a petrol station after you've been driving.
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