What is the general tire pressure for cars?
2 Answers
The general tire pressure for cars is usually 2.2 to 2.3 for the front tires and 2.4 to 2.5 for the rear tires when the car is cold. When the car leaves the factory, the standard tire pressure will be indicated on the vehicle. Some cars display it on the B-pillar on the driver's side, while others have it on the back of the fuel tank cap. If neither is present, you can check the manual. Different car models have different weights and tires, so the standard pressure for the front and rear wheels is usually different. In winter, it is advisable to slightly increase the tire pressure by about 0.2 bar based on the standard tire pressure. In summer, if the car is parked outdoors, the pressure can generally be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to avoid blowouts due to high temperatures. Additionally, the tire pressure differs between cold and hot tires, with a difference of about 0.3 bar, so be mindful when measuring.
I think the most common range for car tire pressure is around 30 to 35 PSI, but it depends on your specific vehicle model. For my small car, which I usually drive on city roads, I prefer to maintain it at about 32 PSI. Before driving, I always take two minutes to check it with a cheap tire pressure gauge. Actually, tire pressure greatly affects the driving experience. For example, when it's too high, going over bumps feels particularly jarring, and the steering wheel feels stiff. If it's too low, it consumes more fuel, wears out the tires faster, and increases the risk of a blowout or accident on the road. When I was a beginner, I often overlooked this, and ended up spending hundreds more on fuel in one semester. Always remember to check the recommended value in the manual or on the label by the door—that's the most accurate. Don't just rely on the maximum number printed on the tire. In winter when it's cold, the pressure naturally drops a bit, so I increase it to 34 PSI. In summer, when it's hot and the air expands, reducing it to 30 PSI is fine. Develop good habits and adjust it regularly.
