Tire Pressure Basics: Finding the Right PSI for Your Car
Where to find your car's recommended tire pressure, how to check it correctly, and why the number on the tire sidewall is not the one to use.
Use the door placard, not the sidewall
The correct pressure for your vehicle is printed on the tire and loading information placard, usually on the driver's door jamb, and in your owner's manual. The number molded into the tire sidewall is the maximum the tire can hold — not the recommended pressure.
Check when the tires are cold
Measure before driving or after the car has been parked for at least three hours. Driving warms the air and can raise readings by 2–4 PSI.
Pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F fall in temperature, which is why TPMS lights often come on during the first cold morning of autumn.
Why it matters
Under-inflated tires flex more, build heat, wear on the edges, and increase stopping distances and fuel consumption. Over-inflated tires wear in the center and reduce grip. Check monthly and before long trips — including the spare, if you have one.
Frequently asked questions
Should front and rear tires have the same pressure?+
Not always. Many vehicles specify different front and rear pressures — follow the placard for your car.
Does the TPMS light mean a flat tire?+
It means at least one tire is roughly 25% below the recommended pressure. Check all tires with a gauge as soon as possible.