The short answer: use the pressure on your car’s placard
There is no single best PSI for every car. The right pressure is the one the vehicle manufacturer recommends for your specific car, and it is usually printed on a sticker on the driver’s door jamb. Many passenger cars land somewhere around 30 to 35 psi, but that is only a general range. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks often call for different numbers, so check your own car rather than relying on a typical value.
Where to find the recommended pressure
- Driver’s door jamb sticker. This tire and loading placard lists the recommended cold pressure, often separately for front and rear tires.
- Owner’s manual. It repeats the figure and may list different values for heavier loads or highway driving.
- Fuel door or glove box. Some vehicles put a sticker in one of these places.
Why not the number on the tire sidewall
The pressure molded into the sidewall is the maximum the tire itself can safely hold. It is not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. Inflating to that number can make the ride harsher and reduce the tire’s contact with the road. Always use the vehicle’s placard or manual instead.
What “cold” means
Recommended pressures are cold pressures: measured when the car has been parked for a few hours or driven only a short distance. Driving warms the tires and raises the reading, so a gauge check right after a long drive will show a higher number. If you need to top up, do it cold when possible. For more on this, see how hot weather affects tire pressure.
Should all four tires be the same PSI?
Not necessarily. Some cars specify one pressure for the front axle and another for the rear, because weight distribution differs. Your placard will show whether this applies. A spare tire, if you have one, may also have its own recommended pressure.
Does tire brand or size change the number?
Questions like “what is the recommended pressure for Michelin Defender tires” or “for a 215/55R17 tire” are common, but the tire brand and size do not set the target on their own. The vehicle’s placard is based on the car’s weight, its tire size and its intended use. The same 215/55R17 size can appear on different cars with different recommended pressures, so read the sticker for your car. If you have fitted a different tire size than the original, ask a tire shop what they recommend.
Checking pressure and keeping track
- Use a reliable gauge, and press it straight onto the valve stem.
- Check all four tires, ideally once a month and before long trips.
- Compare each reading with the placard, and add air if needed. Our guide on how to inflate your tires walks through the steps.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light warns that one or more tires are significantly low, but it is not a substitute for regular gauge checks. If the light comes on while the tires seem fine, see tire pressure light on but tires are fine. See low tire pressure symptoms for what to watch for.
Seasons and temperature
Tire pressure changes with the outside temperature, and a common rule of thumb is roughly 1 psi for every 10 degrees F. Pressure tends to drop in cold weather and rise in heat, so it is worth rechecking when the seasons change.
Related wheel issues
If the pressure is correct but the car vibrates or pulls, the cause may be elsewhere. See wheel balancing vs. alignment.
FAQ
What is my tire PSI? It is the figure on your door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual.
Is 35 psi good? It can be, if that is what your car’s placard recommends. It is not right for every car.
Can I run more pressure than recommended? It is safest to stay with the manufacturer’s recommendation unless a tire professional advises otherwise.