At what psi should my tires be at?
Most passenger cars specify about 30–35 psi when tires are cold. Check the driver’s door jamb placard or the owner’s manual for your exact value, and adjust for load and conditions.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. This article explains how to find your recommended psi, how to measure it accurately, and when to adjust for different driving situations.
Where to find your recommended psi
To locate the official recommended pressures for your car, check these sources:
- Driver’s door jamb placard (or the fuel-filler door) with the cold-inflation numbers for each tire
- Owner’s manual or the vehicle manufacturer’s website
- Tire sidewall maximum psi label (note: this is the maximum safe pressure, not the recommended level)
Rely on the vehicle’s official values for safe, optimal inflation. Remember that these numbers assume typical loads and temperatures and that pressures should be measured when tires are cold.
How to check and adjust your tire pressure
Use these steps to measure and adjust your tire pressures accurately:
- Ensure tires are cold before checking, ideally after the car has sat for at least three hours or before driving.
- Remove the valve cap from the tire you’re checking.
- Place a reliable tire pressure gauge on the valve stem and read the pressure.
- Compare the reading to the car’s recommended cold PSI for that tire (front and rear may differ).
- If the tire is underinflated, add air in small increments (about 1–2 psi at a time) and recheck after each addition.
- If the tire is overinflated, release air until you reach the recommended pressure, then recheck.
- Repeat the process for the remaining tires, including the spare if it’s a useable service tire.
- Replace the valve caps securely after finishing.
Following these steps helps ensure even tread wear, better fuel economy, and safer handling on the road.
Special considerations
Temperature and load effects
Air pressure changes with ambient temperature: colder weather lowers pressure, while hot weather raises it. Heavier loads or towing typically require higher pressures. Always rely on the vehicle’s guidance for the expected load and conditions rather than a fixed number.
Winter tires and other tire types
Winter tires may have different optimal pressures due to their construction and performance in cold temps. Check your placard and manual for any season-specific guidance. Run-flat tires and directional tires can also have specific requirements—verify with the manufacturer.
Spare tires and safety kit considerations
Spare tires aren’t always inflated to the same level as road tires. Donuts (temporary spares) often require around 60 psi, but always check the spare’s label or your manual. If you carry a run-flat or a different spare, follow its specific guidance to avoid unsafe inflation.
Maintenance and safety tips
Check tire pressures at least monthly and before long trips. Use a reliable gauge, keep valve caps on, and inspect tires for wear, cracks, or bulges during checks. If you notice persistent low pressure, have the tires inspected by a professional.
Summary
Tire pressure is a vehicle-specific setting tied to safety and efficiency. For most passenger cars, aim for roughly 30–35 psi when tires are cold, adjusting for model, load, and conditions as indicated by the manufacturer. Regularly verify pressures, especially with temperature changes or heavy loads, to protect tires and optimize performance.
