What is the normal tire pressure in kPa?
3 Answers
The normal tire pressure is suitable between 2.4 to 2.5 kPa. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire. The hazards of excessive tire pressure are: 1. Reduced friction and adhesion of the tire, affecting braking performance and tire lifespan; 2. Decreased puncture resistance, increasing the risk of tire blowouts; 3. Accelerated wear on the central tread pattern, reducing tire lifespan and increasing vehicle vibration; 4. Excessive stretching of tire cords, leading to reduced elasticity of the tire body; 5. Increased susceptibility to punctures from sharp objects like nails and glass, causing internal cracks and blowouts.
I've been driving a taxi for nearly twenty years and have encountered many tire pressure issues. The normal range is usually around 230 to 250 kPa. It depends on the label on the car, which is usually stuck on the door frame or inside the fuel tank cap. For example, my car clearly states that the cold tire pressure is 240 kPa. In summer, when temperatures are high, tires tend to soften, so I usually let out 5-8 kPa of air to prevent excessive expansion. In winter, you need to check more frequently because the cold weather can cause leaks. I keep a digital tire pressure gauge with me and measure the front and rear tires before each shift, which gives me peace of mind for long trips. Never rely on visual judgment—last time I saw a young guy driving with visibly deformed tires, which was extremely dangerous.
As an auto repair technician, I recommend following the manufacturer's specified cold tire pressure values, which typically range between 220 to 260 kPa for most vehicles. In practice, it's crucial to account for tire temperature effects - after highway driving, tire pressure can be 15-20 kPa higher than cold state readings. The most common issue I encounter in the shop is owners overinflating tires themselves. When pressure exceeds 280 kPa, center tread wear accelerates by three times. For loaded conditions, always refer to the vehicle's placard - increase pressure by about 20 kPa when fully loaded. Check pressures at least twice monthly using a mechanical gauge. Note that the left front tire typically runs 5 kPa lower than others due to engine positioning - don't inflate all tires equally.
