4 Steps to Find the Correct Tire Pressure for Your Car

You don't know what pressure your tires should be for you car, so you are going to have them inflated.

Tire pressure monitoring systems make it even more important that you maintain the proper tire pressure. You will notice warning lights on your dashboard if you drive with low tire pressure.

This article will show you how to find the correct tire pressure.

How do you find the right tire pressure for your vehicle?

The fastest and easiest way to find your car’s tire pressure is to check the label you can see near the door lock when you open the driver’s door.

These steps will help you determine the right tire pressure for your vehicle.

1. Check Label behind drivers door

On almost all car models, you will find a label when you open the driver’s door. Here is often the tire pressure listed for the original tire sizes and how much you should inflate the tire depending on your vehicle’s load weight.

Some vehicles do not carry this label. If this is the case you can try our alternative options.

2. Service Manual

Almost every time you will buy a car, you will get a service manual of your car’s basic functions. The manual will often be found in your glove box with other documents. In this manual, you can often find what fluids you should fill your car with and your car’s tire pressure.

It is possible to find the manual online, but it may not be available.

3. VIN decoder

Many VIN decoders are available for free on the Internet. This comes with the downside that your vehicle identification number (VIN) must be found. You will often be able to find your VIN under the hood or underneath the windshield.

Some US car parts sites allow you to enter your license plate number in order to receive your VIN. You will then be able to use this information to calculate the proper tire pressure for your vehicle.

4. For Authorized Dealers, Call

If you are not sure of finding the correct tire pressure by using the methods above, you can always call your authorized dealer for your car model’s brand.

You won't have to do anything other than look for the right tire pressure.

How does low tire pressure translate into cold tires?

On the tire pressure labels, you will often find something named “cold tire inflation pressure”. This is what it means and does it make any difference.

The tire pressure will vary depending on your tire temperature. Driving long distances in hot weather will cause your tires to heat up, which will result in a high amount of pressure.

Do you want to fill your tires with 36 psi/ 2.5 bars immediately? When the tires get cold it will sink to 32 PSI/2.2 Bar, which will make it difficult to drive.

This is why the pressure is called cold tire inflation pressure.

Do you prefer to be slightly above or below the recommended pressure?

I often recommend inflating your tires with 1 – 2 PSI or 0.07 – 0.14 above the recommended pressure. Many cars are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, which can be susceptible.

Some TPMS systems may have a small difference between the low tire pressure and the recommended tire pressure.

Tire pressure is dependent on temperature. You should maintain a slightly higher pressure than recommended to ensure that your tire light doesn't come on right after you inflate it.

A high tire pressure is always better that a low one.

What is the best way to locate it?

Ask at the tire shop or consult this table below. This list will give you a basic idea of the average tire pressure. These are only guidelines and should not be used as a recommendation for tire pressure.

• A small-sized car normal tire size (around 185/55 – 15) ~ 2.1 bar  (30 psi)
• Medium Sized Car normal tire size (around 195/55 – 16) ~ 2.5 bar (36 psi)
• Cars of large size normal tire size (around 245/55 – 18) 2.9 bar (42 psi)

If you have larger rims and a lower tire profile than your tires, it is advisable to use greater pressure.