Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Tyre pressures - should they be increased for driving at speed?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Tyre pressures - should they be increased for driving at speed?

I have read with interest your recommendation that tyre pressures be dropped by 3psi for comfort. Yet I remember when you recommended that for long distance, high speed, well loaded travel in a hot climate they should be increased by 3psi. Is this still the case please?

Asked on 9 August 2016 by lilley

Answered by Honest John
As soon as you drive any distance over 20 miles the tyres heat up and that alone increases the pressure in them by 3-4psi. But obviously if carrying a heavy weight of passengers and luggage you need to allow for that by a further increase in pressure.

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice
Similar questions
I've just taken the plunge and bought 4 Michelin Cross Climates for my 2011 Mercedes E250 CDI Estate.Tyre size is 225/55 R16 99W. Mercedes Benz recommends 38PSI all round unladen, more when 5 up with luggage....
My recently purchased Peugeot 3008 comes with an electric parking brake as standard. This is the first car I have owned with this type of brake, and I am struggling to master it. With the car on a level...
Are front engine, rear wheel drive cars more stable in the wet than front engine, front wheel drive?