Lifetime Guarantee now on all car, van & SUV tyres. Peace of mind, at no extra cost.
Tyres > Help > Tyres Help > What happens if tyre pressure is too high?
If the tyre pressure is too high, the following issues can occur:
• Reduced traction: overinflated tyres can reduce the amount of tyre tread that meets the road, leading to less grip and increased braking distances.
• Uneven tyre wear: high tyre pressure can cause the centre of the tyre to wear faster than the edges, leading to uneven wear patterns and reducing the lifespan of the tyre.
• Bumpy ride: overinflated tyres can make the ride feel bumpier and more uncomfortable, especially on rough roads.
• Damage to tyres: yhe high pressure can cause tyre damage such as cracks, bulges, and blowouts.
Does high tyre pressure affect fuel consumption?
Yes, high tyre pressure can increase fuel consumption. When the tyre pressure is too high, the tyre is less flexible, resulting in a smaller contact patch with the road.
This can lead to increased rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle, leading to higher fuel consumption.
In addition, overinflated tyres can cause the vehicle to bounce more, leading to additional energy loss and increased fuel consumption.
What to do if tyre pressure is too high?
For tyres with air pressure that is beyond the recommended level, the best course of action is to release some air from the tyre. But make sure you don’t lower the pressure too much and end up with a tyre that has low air pressure.
To find out if your tyre has too much pressure, it is best to use a pressure gauge to check the current pressure – you can then release any excess pressure with via the tyre valve.
Can you drive with a high tyre pressure?
No. It is not recommended to drive with a tyre that has high tyre pressure. There are a number of safety issues that can result from this. Such as reduced traction, uneven tyre wear and an increased risk of tyre blowout.
Overinflated tyres can also affect the handling and ride comfort of the vehicle – as less of the tyre’s tread is in contact with the road. The tyre essentially rides on the centre of the tyre rather than the whole width.
Should front tyres have higher pressure than the back?
In most cases, the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle will be same for both the front and back tyres.
However, some manufacturers may recommend different tyre pressure for the front and rear tyres when it is fully laden. In this instance, the recommendations tend to include a higher pressure in the rear tyres.
Do not take this as the case for all vehicles, however. Always check your vehicle handbook manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the correct tyre pressure for your specific vehicle.