
Different tires have different pressure values. Generally, the standard tire pressure for regular tires is between 2.4-2.5 bar, while reinforced tires have a pressure range of 2.8-2.9 bar. Additionally, due to seasonal factors, tire pressure can be increased by 0.2 bar in winter and decreased by 0.1 bar in summer. Tire pressure can be monitored via a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which automatically and continuously checks the tire pressure while driving and alerts the driver in case of leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. If the tire pressure warning light illuminates (a yellow symbol featuring an irregular circle without a seal, with four small spikes at the bottom and an exclamation mark inside), it generally indicates one of the following three issues: 1. Abnormal tire pressure. The system typically alerts when the pressure is below 1.8 bar or above 3.0 bar. In this case, the tires should be inspected and the pressure adjusted accordingly. 2. The tire pressure monitoring system has not been reset. After inflating the tires, if the system is not reset promptly, it may still display the previous data, causing the warning light to stay on. Simply resetting the system will resolve this issue. 3. A damaged tire pressure sensor. The sensor, which monitors tire pressure, is installed inside the tire and connected to the inflation valve. If the sensor is damaged during driving (e.g., due to impact), the tire pressure warning light will activate. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the faulty sensor with a new one.

Many people ask me about tire pressure thinking one value fits all, but each vehicle is different. My advice is to check the label on the driver's door jamb—that's where the manufacturer's official standard is printed. For regular cars, it's usually between 2.2 to 2.5 bar, while SUVs may go slightly higher to around 2.8 bar. Tire pressure can rise by about 0.3 bar when driving on highways in summer, so measuring when the tires are cold in the morning gives the most accurate reading. I make it a habit to check monthly; tire shops offer free air refills, and buying a digital tire pressure gauge to keep in the car is affordable. Underinflated tires develop sawtooth wear on the sidewalls, wasting fuel and posing risks; overinflation makes the ride harsh and reduces grip. Remember, the MAX value on the tire sidewall is just the limit—always follow the door label for daily use.

When I bought the new car, the 4S dealership reminded me about the importance of tire pressure. The normal range fluctuates around 2.3 bar, with a variation of 0.2 bar being safe, but it depends on the load. When carrying five people, it's best to have the pressure 0.2 bar higher than when the car is empty, and it should be increased further if the trunk is fully loaded with luggage. An experienced driver taught me to check the tire contact patch: when the pressure is right, the tread pattern on the part of the tire touching the ground should fully contact the road surface. If the car is parked outdoors for a long time, add 0.1 bar before winter, as the rubber contracts in cold temperatures, naturally reducing the tire pressure. Original run-flat tires require higher pressure, so it's necessary to adjust it lower after switching to regular tires. The difference between cold and hot tire measurements can be up to 0.3 bar, so remember to measure it three hours after turning off the engine for the most accurate reading.

The maintenance manual states that the standard tire pressure for my car is 2.4 bar. The mechanic said tire pressure deviations exceeding 10% should be adjusted, as pressures below 1.9 bar increase the risk of blowouts, while pressures above 3.0 bar make the ride too harsh. After installing a TPMS tire pressure monitoring system, it's more intuitive - the screen displays the actual values for all four tires. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, rear tires sometimes need 0.1 bar higher pressure than the front tires, and when towing a caravan, rear tire pressure may need to be increased to 3.2 bar. Spare tires typically require higher pressure around 3.5 bar, and they slowly lose air even when not in use. Check tire wear every 5,000 kilometers - uneven inner wear could indicate insufficient tire pressure.


