Where can I check the tyre pressure?
'Pressione' — 'pres-SYO-ne'. Four syllables; stress on the second.
Ask at the station when you notice a tyre looks soft or when you are about to begin a long motorway journey.
'Controllare la pressione delle gomme' means to check the tyre pressure. 'Gomme' is the colloquial Italian word for tyres (formal: 'pneumatici'). Most Italian petrol stations have a free compressed air machine.
C'è l'aria compressa?
Is there compressed air?
Shorter alternative; 'aria compressa' means compressed air.
Quanti bar devo mettere?
How many bar should I put in?
Asks for the correct pressure setting.
La ruota è a terra. Può aiutarmi?
The tyre is flat. Can you help me?
'A terra' literally means 'on the ground' — Italian for a flat tyre.
Italian law requires vehicles to maintain correct tyre pressure. Most motorway service stations ('autogrill') and urban stations have free compressed air points. The correct pressure for your car is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door.