What is the correct tire pressure?

The correct tire pressure: the maximum isn’t the best!

Garages often get asked by drivers to inflate their tires to the maximum PSI (pounds per square inch) shown on the sidewall. But when it comes to the correct tire pressure, the maximum is not the optimal pressure.
For smooth, safe journeys and long-lasting tires, it’s important to find the right tire pressure for your vehicle.

Maximum tire pressure

Somewhere on the sidewall of your tire, just below the big, bold manufacturer lettering, you’ll probably find the words “Max. Press. 35 PSI.” This number tells you the maximum cold pressure needed to carry the tire’s maximum load. We say “cold” pressure because that’s when you should ideally inflate your tires – when they are cold. The best moment is in the morning before you set off, or after the car has been parked in the shade for a few hours. Typically, the maximum tire pressure for your tire is between 30 and 35 PSI.

What happens if you inflate your tires to the maximum PSI?

The driving characteristics change when the tires are inflated to the maximum. There isn’t much sidewall flex, so you’ll have less control in corners, and your braking distance increases if the tire pressure is too high. The lifespan of your tire also decreases when they are overinflated. With too much pressure, the sides wear out faster, which in turn causes the rubber on the tread to wear more quickly. You’ll also reduce traction and could even cause a blowout.

What is the right tire pressure for your vehicle?

You’ll find the optimal or recommended tire pressure for your car from the manufacturer on a sticker in the door jamb or in your owner’s manual. Some models even place these stickers on the trunk lid, in the console or on the fuel door.

The recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 32 PSI. That number indicates the minimum amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s maximum load. And that is not the maximum PSI of 35! If your tire pressure is lower, you’ll notice and feel it through higher fuel consumption and poorer handling, as well as premature wear due to excessive flexing and overloading of the tire. When your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI, you get the best possible lifespan and performance from them.

Inflating your tires

The correct air pressure (30–32) in your vehicle’s tires is crucial for a safe, durable and comfortable ride. It will also maximise the lifespan of the tires and save money by postponing the need to replace (expensive) tires.

Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your tires properly inflated.

When is the best time to check your tire pressure? A few good rules of thumb are: every time you refuel, with every 10-degree change in temperature, or every 30 days with a quick visual check of the tires. If in doubt, you can always stop by a garage or gas station to measure the tire pressure and top it up with air if needed.

It might sound a bit over the top, but the impact of the correct tire pressure is huge! Having the best car tires is just as essential.