What PSI should my tires be?
The short answer: whatever the sticker inside your driver's door says. Here's how to find it, typical numbers, and how to fill up right.
Find your number. Open the driver's door and look for the sticker on the door jamb. It lists the front and rear PSI (they can differ). No sticker? Check the owner's manual, glove box or fuel door.
Check cold. Measure before driving, or after the car has sat for 3+ hours. Warm tires read a few PSI high.
Fill to the sticker, not the tire. The number molded on the tire is the maximum it can hold, not the right pressure for your car.
Typical tire pressures
| Vehicle | Typical cold pressure |
|---|---|
| Cars and minivans | 30–35 PSI |
| SUVs and crossovers | 32–35 PSI |
| Pickups (regular tires) | 32–40 PSI |
| Pickups (LT / heavy-duty tires) | 50–80 PSI |
| Compact spare ("donut") | Usually 60 PSI |
| Road bike | 80–110 PSI |
| Hybrid / commuter bike | 50–70 PSI |
| Mountain bike | 25–35 PSI |
Ranges are typical, not a substitute for your vehicle's placard. Loaded trucks, trailers and performance cars often need different pressures.
Cold weather and the tire light
Tires lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F the temperature drops. A tire set to 35 PSI on an 80°F afternoon can read around 31 PSI on a 40°F morning. The tire pressure light comes on when a tire is about 25% below the recommended pressure, so the first cold snap of the year sets off a lot of warning lights.
Using a gas station air machine
- Park so the hose reaches all four tires, and take the valve caps off first (keep them in your pocket).
- Many machines let you set the PSI and beep when they're done. If yours doesn't, add air in short bursts and check with a gauge.
- Check the gauge reading against your own if you have one. Station gauges can be off by a few PSI.
- Don't forget the spare. A compact spare usually needs about 60 PSI.
Tire pressure questions
What PSI should my tires be?
Use the pressure on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb (sometimes in the glove box or fuel door). Most cars are 30 to 35 PSI. Don't use the number on the tire sidewall: that's the maximum the tire can hold, not the right pressure for your car.
Should I check tire pressure hot or cold?
Cold, before driving or after the car has sat for a few hours. Driving warms the tires and raises the reading by a few PSI. If you check right after driving, don't let air out to match the sticker.
Why does my tire light come on when it gets cold?
Air pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. On the first cold morning of fall, tires that were fine can fall low enough to trigger the warning light. The light comes on when a tire is about 25% below the recommended pressure, so top them up.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
Once a month and before long road trips. Tires lose a little air over time even without a leak.
Is it bad to overinflate tires?
Yes. Overinflated tires have less grip, a harsher ride and wear faster in the middle. Underinflated tires are worse: they hurt fuel economy, wear the edges and can overheat. Stick to the sticker.
Where can I fill my tires for free?
Many gas stations and tire shops have free air. Search your address, city or ZIP on Free Air for Tires to see the closest free air pumps and how sure we are each one is free.