What is the normal tire pressure for car tires?
2 Answers
The normal tire pressure for car tires ranges between 230 to 250kpa. However, the specific recommended tire pressure should be based on the manufacturer's suggestion, which can usually be found in the vehicle's user manual, on the label near the driver's door (B-pillar), or on the fuel tank door. These sources will provide detailed information on the recommended tire pressure for your specific vehicle. Tire pressure is also significantly affected by seasonal factors. In summer, when temperatures are high, tires tend to heat up during driving. Higher tire pressure can increase the risk of a blowout, so it's advisable to keep the pressure slightly lower. In winter, tire pressure should be a bit higher than in summer due to the principle of thermal contraction and expansion. Generally, a tire pressure between 250 to 280kpa is more suitable for cars during winter.
Having run an auto repair shop for 20 years, I've seen too many car owners incorrectly adjusting tire pressure. The standard tire pressure values can actually be found in four places: the sticker on the driver's side door frame, the back of the fuel filler cap, the last chapter of the manual, and the small card in the glove compartment. For ordinary family cars, cold tire pressure of 2.3-2.5 bar is most common, but it depends on the specific model. Last week, when I changed tires for a BMW, the front tires required 2.7 bar and the rear tires needed 3.0 bar; last month, an Alto I worked on only needed 2.2 bar. Adjustments are also needed with the seasons: reduce pressure by 0.2 bar before highway driving in summer to prevent blowouts, and increase by 0.1 bar in winter for better fuel efficiency. The safest practice is to check with a mechanical gauge monthly—don't rely too much on the car's built-in tire pressure monitoring system.
