Checking and Setting Tyre Pressures
How to check and correctly inflate your motorhome or caravan tyres for safety and economy.
What This Is
Correct tyre pressure is one of the most important safety checks you can make. Underinflated tyres overheat, wear unevenly, and can fail catastrophically at motorway speeds. Overinflated tyres reduce grip and give a harsh ride. This guide shows you how to get it right.
Tools & Parts Required
- Accurate digital tyre pressure gauge
- Air compressor or garage airline
- Tyre pressure chart (from door jamb, fuel cap, or owner's manual)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Find the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle. Do NOT use the pressures on the tyre sidewall — these are maximum pressures. The correct pressures for your load are in the owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on the fuel cap.
- 2
Check pressures when the tyres are cold — before driving more than 2 miles. Heat from driving increases pressure and will give a false reading.
- 3
Remove the dust cap from the tyre valve. Keep it safe — do not lose it.
- 4
Press the pressure gauge firmly onto the valve. You should hear a brief hiss as it seats, then a stable reading. Read the pressure on the gauge display.
- 5
Compare to the recommended pressure. If low, add air using a compressor or garage airline. Add air in short bursts and re-check frequently — it is easy to overfill.
- 6
If the tyre is overinflated, use the small pin on the back of the gauge or a pen to depress the valve core and release air slowly. Re-check frequently.
- 7
Check all tyres including the spare. Many motorhomes have a spare wheel stored under the vehicle — do not neglect it.
- 8
Inspect each tyre visually for cuts, bulges, cracking in the sidewalls, and uneven wear. Any of these require immediate attention from a tyre specialist.
- 9
Replace the dust caps firmly. They keep dirt out of the valve and provide a secondary seal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the maximum pressure on the tyre sidewall instead of the vehicle-specific recommended pressure.
- Checking pressures when tyres are hot after driving.
- Neglecting the spare tyre.
- Ignoring cracked or aged sidewalls — tyres over 6 years old should be inspected by a specialist regardless of tread depth.
Safety Warnings
- A tyre blowout at motorway speed is extremely dangerous. Never drive on a tyre you suspect is damaged.
- Motorhomes are heavy vehicles. Tyre failure is more serious than on a car. Check pressures before every trip.
- Caravan tyres should be checked on both the tow vehicle and the caravan.
When to Call a Professional
If you find a tyre with a bulge, deep cut, or cracked sidewall, do not drive on it. Call a mobile tyre fitter or recover the vehicle to a tyre centre.
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