I've just bought a digital tyre pressure gauge. I checked my 2.0 FSI L&K hatch and all 4 tyres were around the 42-45 psi mark. I'm ashamed to say we haven't checked the pressures since buying the car in July this year. I note that the pressures should be around 32psi. Is it normal for manufacturers to over inflate the tyres?

It would seem so, my L&K tyres were about 40 psi when I got it. The Elegance tyres were too high as well.

I would expect tyre pressures to be checked on the PDI

I've learnt the hard way (pun intended) to always check the tyre pressures on new cars. The present L&K had 45psi all round and the previous Elegance also 45psi. For some reason dealers never seem to pdi the tyres. The worst was an Astra about 10 years ago that had 70psi all round!

I was told that the reason for this over inflation is that cars can be standing around for a long time after manufacture and this avoids flat spots developing on the tyres.

I was told that the reason for this over inflation is that cars can be standing around for a long time after manufacture and this avoids flat spots developing on the tyres.

All the more reason to check them on the PDI if they know about it :thumbdwn:

Maybe we'll have a softer, more comfortable ride now?

Now your tyres aren't like blocks of solid rubber I would guess so. I've had new tyres fitted to mine today and at 2.2 Bar they ride and road noise are vastly improved.

Seeing as the simple things can be done if would make you wonder what else is missed. I've heard it happen a few times

This subject has been raised several times before.

It seems like cars come out of the factory at 40-45psi and dealers neglect (all too frequently) to check and adjust them on PDI!

However; as drivers and being responsible for our cars we should check them ourselves regularly say, once a month, or once a week if doing high mileage.

This subject has been raised several times before.

It seems like cars come out of the factory at 40-45psi and dealers neglect (all too frequently) to check and adjust them on PDI!

However; as drivers and being responsible for our cars we should check them ourselves regularly say, once a month, or once a week if doing high mileage.

I pick-up many useful tips from this forum, unfortunately not this one, but I shall try to be a more responsible owner in future.

I pick-up many useful tips from this forum, unfortunately not this one, but I shall try to be a more responsible owner in future.

Good man, taken in the spirit intended.

PS> No need to be - how often does any of us do what we really should?

Now your tyres aren't like blocks of solid rubber I would guess so. I've had new tyres fitted to mine today and at 2.2 Bar they ride and road noise are vastly improved.

My drive to Salisbury and back on Saturday, was a wonderful experience, now that the tyres are at the correct pressure. As you say, much smoother and quieter.

ive axctually increased mine to 2.2 from 2.1. diddnt get on to well with it in the summer, but seems ok at this time of year.

ive axctually increased mine to 2.2 from 2.1. diddnt get on to well with it in the summer, but seems ok at this time of year.

Would it be to do with it being hotter in the summer and so pressures going up with temp,, this time of year being colder and not heating up as quick.

Pressures you set should be the same all the year round. You will find that you need to inflate the tyres a bit in colder weather as tyres set at, say, 2.1bar will drop to 2.0bar with cooler weather; all due to the compressed air with water vapour expanding and contracting with changes of temperature.

This effect can be minimised by having tyres inflated with Nitrogen, which will then keep the pressures more stable.