What is the proper tire pressure for a car?
2 Answers
According to the international standard GBT2978-2008, the recommended tire pressures are: standard tires should be inflated to 2.4-2.5bar; reinforced tires should be inflated to 2.8-2.9bar; the maximum pressure should not exceed 3.5bar. It's best to refer to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure, which varies by brand and can typically be found on the inside of the driver's or passenger's door frame or on the fuel filler cap. Using 2.5bar as the median value: below 2.5bar but above 1.9bar, the tires are softer, providing better grip and some shock absorption, but with slightly increased fuel consumption. Above 2.5bar but below 3.5bar, the tires are harder, with poorer grip and shock absorption, but slightly reduced fuel consumption. For new tires, the pressure can be set about 0.2bar higher than the standard. For worn tires, the pressure can be set slightly lower than the standard, or at the lower limit if severely worn. Comfort-oriented tires (soft tires) can be inflated about 0.2bar higher than the standard, while performance-oriented tires (hard tires) should be set at the lower limit of the standard pressure.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that tire pressure is nothing to take lightly. Generally speaking, most cars require tire pressure to be maintained between 32 to 35 psi, but this entirely depends on your vehicle type and the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, sedans might need around 33 psi, while SUVs may require a slightly higher pressure of 35 psi. Checking the pressure is simple—just buy a good quality tire pressure gauge and measure it once a month, preferably when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading. If the pressure is too low, the tires will wear out faster and may even lead to blowouts or increased fuel consumption; if it's too high, handling becomes worse and the ride feels uncomfortably stiff. I make it a habit to check the pressure every time I wash my car, especially during seasonal changes when temperature fluctuations are significant. Always refer to the sticker on the door frame or the owner's manual for the exact values—don't just guess, as it's both safer and more convenient. Pay extra attention before long trips—I've had my share of troubles with overheated and deformed tires. Developing good habits like these can save you repair costs and extend the life of your tires.
