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At what pressure should my tires be at?

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for ensuring your vehicle's safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. The recommended tire pressure for your car can typically be found in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb sticker. However, the specific pressure may vary depending on factors such as the type of tires, the load being carried, and driving conditions.


Understanding Tire Pressure


Tire pressure refers to the amount of air inside the tire, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or kilopascals (kPa). The recommended tire pressure is the optimal level of inflation for your vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer. Underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and increased wear, while overinflated tires can result in a harsher ride and increased risk of a blowout.


Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressure



  • Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or has driven less than a mile.

  • Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI in each tire, including the spare.

  • Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended level, which can be found in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.

  • Remember to check the tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, and before long trips.


Maintaining the proper tire pressure is crucial for your vehicle's safety and performance. By following the manufacturer's recommendations and regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and safe driving experience.

What PSI should front and rear tires be?


The placard or manual should list the appropriate psi for both the front and rear tires, as they may be different. Most passenger cars' psi requirement will be between 30 to 35 psi, but several vehicles fall outside of that range and every vehicle will have specific requirements.



Is 27 PSI too low to drive on?


To summarize, 32- 35 PSI is recommended; as a rule of thumb, make 28 PSI a minimum, and if your tire pressure dips below 20 PSI, refill your tire(s) immediately.



What should your tire pressure be in the summer?


between 30 and 35 psi
In general, the best tire pressure for summer driving is between 30 and 35 psi. However, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to adjust your tire pressure accordingly, by slightly lowering your PSI to account for the heat-related air expansion inside your tires.



Will it ruin tires if you inflate them to 40 PSI instead of 35 PSI when the recommended PSI is 35?


No, your tire isn't going to explode if you add a little more than the recommended amount of air. But you shouldn't go too much over recommended PSI. You can safely over-inflate tires by up to 10%.



What is the correct PSI for my tires?


32 to 35 psi
On newer cars, the recommended pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker INSIDE the driver's door. If there's no sticker on the door, you can usually find the specs in the owner's manual. Most passenger cars will recommend 32 to 35 psi in the tires when they're cold.



Is 28 tire pressure ok?


Running your tires at 28 psi can cause poor handling, increased wear on the tire edges, and reduced fuel efficiency. It's always best to check your vehicle's owner's manual or the placard inside the driver's door for the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure to ensure optimal performance, safety, and tire longevity.



What tire PSI is dangerously low?


20 PSI
Pressures below 20 PSI are considered “flat” and dangerous to drive on. Usually, low pressures indicate a puncture but can also occur over long periods naturally as air escapes.



What happens if tire pressure is too high?


Overinflation can cause loss of traction. Even in normal driving conditions, you are more susceptible to losing traction, spinning out or crashing. Therefore, it is even more noticeable if your tires are overinflated in winter weather. Overinflation creates a harsher ride.



How high is too high for tire pressure?


But you shouldn't go too much over recommended PSI. You can safely over-inflate tires by up to 10%. For example, if your tires have a recommended PSI of 35, you can go up to around 38 PSI without worry. Anything more than that is too much and not recommended.



Is 40 PSI too much for tires?


Tire pressure increases when the tires are used, and for this reason, following the vehicle and tire brands' recommendation is crucial. Typically, if the recommended pressure levels are 35, then the tires should not use more than 40 psi. More than that will result in the before mentioned problems.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.