Tire pressure is not a universal number. The correct setting is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and may vary according to tire size, vehicle loading, and front or rear axle requirements.

The recommended cold-tire pressure is listed on the vehicle's tire information placard or in the owner's manual. Using this specification helps the tires perform as intended while supporting handling, ride comfort, efficiency, and tire life.

Find the recommended pressure

Start with the tire information placard, which is commonly located on the driver's door frame, door pillar, or another designated area. The owner's manual provides the same information if the placard is unavailable.

The pressure printed on the tire sidewall is different. It generally indicates the tire's maximum permissible inflation pressure, not the pressure recommended for that particular vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer's specification should therefore be used for normal operation.

Check tires when cold

Tire pressure rises as the tires warm during driving. For the most accurate reading, check the pressure before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours.

If pressure must be checked after driving, do not simply release air to reach the recommended cold figure. Allow the tires to cool and then check and adjust them to the specified cold pressure.

Account for vehicle loading

Some vehicles have different recommended pressures for normal and heavy loads. If the placard or owner's manual provides separate settings, use the pressure that corresponds to the vehicle's current loading condition.

Front and rear tires may also require different pressures, so check each specification rather than assuming all four tires should have the same setting.

Use an accurate pressure gauge

A reliable tire-pressure gauge provides a more precise measurement than visual inspection. Check each tire individually and adjust the pressure as necessary.

If the vehicle has a spare tire, check it according to the manufacturer's specified pressure as well. A spare may have different requirements from the tires currently fitted to the vehicle.

Check pressure regularly

Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Regular checks can identify pressure changes that may not be obvious from the tire's appearance.

Temperature changes can also affect pressure, so more frequent checks may be useful when conditions change significantly.

Why correct pressure matters

Maintaining the specified pressure helps the tires maintain their intended contact with the road and can support consistent handling, ride quality, tread wear, and rolling efficiency.

Underinflation can increase tire flex and heat buildup, while overinflation can alter ride characteristics and contribute to uneven wear. Keeping each tire at the specified pressure helps maintain the vehicle's intended operating characteristics.

The correct tire pressure is the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold-tire pressure. It should not be confused with the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

Check the vehicle placard or owner's manual, measure pressure when the tires are cold, follow any load-specific or axle-specific settings, and check the tires regularly. A consistent pressure-check routine is a simple way to support reliable tire performance and everyday driving.