Tyres are the main contact point between the road and the rest of the car. The optimal performance of the car depends on the health and maintenance of the tyres. One major factor that needs regular monitoring is the tyre pressure. Whether it is a tube or a tubeless tyre, without the right tyre pressure, you will be running on flats. Keeping proper tyre pressure helps the tyres last longer and helps improve the handling of the car. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with your car’s tyre pressure.
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How to check tyre pressure?
Checking the tyre pressure requires an air pressure measuring instrument called a Tyre Pressure Gauge. On one end there is the gauge with the readings and on the other end there is a tube like structure that fits on the valve stem on the tyre. This is available in both analog and digital systems.
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To measure tyre pressure simply follow these steps:
- Remove the valve cap from the valve stem – a nozzle that protrudes from the rim. The valve cap doesn’t keep the air pressure in the tyre, but rather protects the valve stem from accumulating dust or debris. Keep it at a safe place and screw it back on after you are done measuring/filling air.
- Place the tube-like end on the top of the valve stem. When it is in proper position you’ll hear a hiss sound. That’s the air escaping when the valve inside is pressed by a tiny stick like component in the air gauge. Keep in mind you’ll have to hold the tube end till the time you’re done with taking the measurements.
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- Finally, take the measurements on all 4 tyres and then use the tyre air pressure chart for your car that is on the door jamb located on the driver’s side. Fill in the air or release some, if overinflated.
What is the right car tyre pressure?
The right tyre pressure for cars ranges from 32-35 psi (PSI = pounds per square inch) when they are cold. Cold here means that the tyres haven’t rolled or the car has been parked for 2-3 hours. Tyre pressure is sensitive to heat and the heat generated from the friction of the tyres rolling on the road, causes the tyre pressure to heat up accordingly. The cold tyre pressure is an indicator for the appropriate pressure the tyres should be when cold to perform optimally when they are hot. The best way to know the correct tyre pressure for your car is written in your car manual or on the driver side door.
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How to maintain proper car tyre pressure?
Maintaining proper air pressure should be a regular part of your driving routine as it provides better fuel efficiency, improved tyre life and generally better handling. Few suggestions to maintain proper air pressure.
- Try to fill your tyres at home. In today’s modern technological world, you can get portable car tyre inflators that work at the touch of a button or if you’re someone who prefers the manual way there are foot inflators as well. The reason for getting your car tyres filled at home is accuracy. Chances are that the readings at a petrol station owned free air machine could be skewed due to its usage. It is always better to double check your tyre pressure.
- If you’re carrying load, let’s say passengers or cargo, it would be better to inflate your tyre 2-3 points above the described limit, this would help your tyres to accommodate the extra load.
- It is highly recommended that you do not over inflate your tyre as this reduces the grip factor and the tyre’s ability to absorb impacts. On the other hand, under inflation will lead to lower mileage as the engine will need more power to drag the car. This will lead to faster wearing of the tyres and impact the driveability of the vehicle.
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Tyre Pressure Chart For Popular Car Brands And Models
Maruti Suzuki | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Alto 800 | 30 PSI | 30 PSI |
Celerio | 36 PSI | 33 PSI |
WagonR | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Swift | 29-32 PSI | 29 PSI |
Ignis | 36 PSI | 32 PSI |
Baleno | 29-32 PSI | 29 PSI |
Dzire | 29-32 PSI | 29-32 PSI |
Ciaz | 29-32 PSI | 29 PSI |
S-Presso | 33-36 PSI | 32-33 PSI |
S-Cross | 33-36 PSI | 33-36 PSI |
Vitara Brezza | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Ertiga | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
XL-6 | 29 PSI | 29 PSI |
Eeco | 26 PSI | 33 PSI |
Hyundai | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Santro | 35 PSI | 35 PSI |
Grand i10 NIOS | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
i20 | 30-32 PSI | 30-32 PSI |
Aura | 35 PSI | 33 PSI |
Verna | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Elantra | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Venue | 33-36 PSI | 33-38 PSI |
Creta | 33 PSI | 35 PSI |
Alcazar | 33-35 PSI | 33-35 PSI |
Tucson | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Kona | 36 PSI | 36 PSI |
Tata | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Tiago | 33 PSI | 30 PSI |
Altroz | 32 PSI | 32 PSI |
Tigor | 30-35 PSI | 30 PSI |
Punch | 32 PSI | 32 PSI |
Safari | 25-30 PSI | 25-30 PSI |
Harrier | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Nexon | 32 PSI | 32 PSI |
Mahindra | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
XUV700 | 33-35 PSI | 33-35 PSI |
XUV300 | 33-34 PSI | 33-34 PSI |
XUV500 | 30-32 PSI | 30-32 PSI |
Thar | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
Alturas G4 | 34 PSI | 34 PSI |
Scorpio | 35-40 PSI | 35-40 PSI |
Bolero | 32-35 PSI | 32-35 PSI |
Bolero Neo | 32-35 PSI | 32-35 PSI |
Marazzo | 35 PSI | 35 PSI |
KUV100 | 33-34 PSI | 33-34 PSI |
Honda | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Amaze | 28-30 PSI | 28-30 PSI |
City 5th Gen | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
City 4th Gen | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
WR-V | 32-35 PSI | 30-32 PSI |
Jazz | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Renault | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Kiger | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
Triber | 33-34 PSI | 33-34 PSI |
Kwid | 30-32 PSI | 30-32 PSI |
Duster | 35 PSI | 35 PSI |
Nissan | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Magnite | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
Kicks | 33-34 PSI | 33-34 PSI |
Toyota | ||
Model | Tyre Pressure Front Wheels | Tyre Pressure Rear Wheels |
Glanza | 33-34 PSI | 33-34 PSI |
Urban Cruiser | 33 PSI | 33 PSI |
Innova Crysta | 32-36 PSI | 32-36 PSI |
Fortuner | 30-35 PSI | 30-35 PSI |
FAQs
What is the correct tyre pressure for cars?
The correct tyre pressure varies according to vehicle type, model and brand. Mostly, 30-35 PSI is the range for car tyre pressure. To know the best pressure for your car refer to the driver side door frame or your car’s manual.
When should I fill the tyres with more air?
Try to fill 2-3 points more of air if you’re going to carry passengers or heavy luggage. This helps in compensating the increased load and helps with driveability.
Are public air stations unreliable?
No, they are not. Since they are used by hundreds of people everyday, there is a possibility of the measurement calibration getting unruly. But you can still rely on it if you don’t have another option.
How do I know if my tyres have less/more air pressure?
While driving if you feel like pushing on the accelerator deeper more often, or the feeling of riding in a boat i.e., up and down or a sideways wavy motion, then your tyres are under inflated. On the other hand if you feel bouncier than usual on your regularly used road, then the tyres are over inflated.
Are tyre pressures for tube and tubeless tyres different?
Usually no, as vehicle manufacturers specify the air pressures beforehand, however in some cases there might be a slight change but not much.
