When Jesús Alloza checks a car, he starts with the tyres. The difference between a safe journey and a dangerous one often comes down to a number on a sticker, usually on the driver’s door or inside the fuel cap. That number is the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure. Ignoring it, he warns, can cost drivers far more than they realise.
Tyres are the only part of a car that touches the road. If the pressure is too high, the contact patch shrinks, causing uneven wear and less grip, especially when braking. Too low, and the tyre’s sidewalls flex more than they should. That increases friction, wears out the edges and makes the steering feel heavy and unpredictable. The Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, has said around 1.5 million vehicles in Spain are driven with serious tyre defects. Incorrect pressure can change how a tyre meets the road, affecting wear and stability as well as grip, particularly on wet surfaces. Alloza points out that both extremes can shorten tyre life and, more importantly, compromise safety.
He also shares a habit that surprises many: he never parks with the wheels turned. “When you leave the steering at an angle, certain components, like boots and dust covers, are left stretched or compressed,” Alloza explains. Over time, that tension can damage parts that are expensive to replace. It’s a small detail, but one that can make a difference over years of driving.
Regular checks are impressive, especially as summer approaches and Spanish roads heat up. A pressure range of 2 to 2.5 bar is often cited as a general guide, but it is not a universal setting. RACE advises drivers to follow the figures on the vehicle’s tyre-pressure label or in its manual, taking the load into account. Check pressure when the tyres are cold, since driving and high temperatures can raise the reading. RACE also links underinflation to greater rolling resistance and potentially higher fuel consumption, while excessive pressure can affect how the vehicle behaves. Before a long journey, check the pressure and inspect the tyres for damage, including cuts and bulges, as well as deformities or uneven tread wear. Spain’s General Vehicle Regulations require vehicles to remain in suitable safety condition.
Alloza’s advice goes beyond tyres. He recommends pressing the clutch whenever starting or stopping the engine to protect the dual-mass flywheel, a part that ensures smooth power delivery in modern cars. He also suggests letting the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before driving off to give the oil time to circulate, then driving gently for the first 8 to 10 minutes until the engine reaches its optimal temperature.
These habits, he says, can prolong the life of your car and make every journey safer and more comfortable. As Spanish drivers look for ways to cut costs and avoid unexpected repairs, practical advice like this is gaining attention. For those considering a new vehicle, comfort and efficiency also matter. Interest is growing in models like the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 4Motion, which, information from recent reviews, has set new standards for family travel on Spanish roads.
For drivers in Spain, a few minutes spent checking tyre pressure and adopting simple habits can prevent bigger problems down the road. If a tyre fails on a high-speed road, RACE advises drivers to keep firm control of the steering, slow down gradually using engine braking and stop in a safe place. As temperatures rise and travel increases, regular inspections and the correct pressure for the vehicle and its load matter more than ever.
