Tires are the only parts of a car in direct contact with the road. People often neglect proper tire care (pressure, wear, etc.). Even though checking tire pressure seems simple  using a pressure gauge, adjusting for load, etc.  it’s often forgotten.

Tire Pressure: Critical for Lifespan and Handling
Tire pressure has a big effect on both how long tires last and how a car handles. If pressure is too low (for example, 0.5 bar under recommended), fuel consumption rises, driving becomes less stable—especially in curves—and the risk of tire failure increases with high speeds or longer driving periods.

In older DEKRA publications (from the 1920s), experts already warned that tires run with too little air get “squashed,” overstrained, leading to premature damage in the structure (cords, threads) of the tire casing. DEKRA notes the basics are still valid.

Low pressure causes uneven strain: outer edges of tread wear faster than center, rubber deforms more, internal fabric inserts rub, heat builds up, potentially causing layers to separate, tire bulging or even bursting.

On the other hand, overinflation is also bad. Too much pressure can cause the centre part of the tread to bulge, reducing the contact area between tire and road. That means less grip, longer braking distances, faster tread wear, and worse handling.

How to Know the Right Pressure

• Since 2014, new cars in the EU are required to have tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These alert when pressure drops. Some vehicles show pressure individually for each wheel.
• Still, manual/regular checks are necessary, especially when:
  the car is loaded (extra weight),
  • before long journeys,
  • or when the recommended tire size or front/rear axle pressures differ.
• The specifications (recommended pressure for front/rear, for different loads) are found in the car’s manual, and often on stickers in the vehicle (e.g., door frame, fuel filler flap, glove box).

Five Tips for Longer Tire Life
DEKRA gives 5 concrete tips to help tires last longer and perform better:

1. Regularly check air pressure, adjust if you have a full load, and reset / re-initialize the vehicle’s pressure measuring system (if applicable).
2. Inspect tires for damage periodically — cuts, abrasions, deformation, bulges, etc.
3. Drive “defensively” to avoid harsh maneuvers that stress tires — e.g. avoid aggressive acceleration or braking, avoid cornering too fast.
4. Be careful with curbs: cross slowly, at right angles; when parking, don’t let tires be crushed or “hanging off” edges.
5. Rotate tires between front and rear axles at recommended intervals so wear is even. Also pay attention to the direction of rotation (if directional tires).