What Is the Normal PSI for a Tire?

For most passenger cars, a normal tire pressure is 30–35 PSI when measured cold; many modern sedans and EVs specify 35–42 PSI. However, the only correct number for your vehicle is the manufacturer’s “cold” inflation pressure on the tire information placard (driver’s door jamb), which may list different pressures for front and rear tires.

Why “normal” tire pressure varies

Automakers set recommended pressures to balance safety, handling, comfort, efficiency, and tire wear for a specific vehicle, wheel size, and tire load rating. Heavier vehicles (including many EVs and loaded SUVs or trucks) often require higher PSI than compact cars. Seasonal temperatures, payloads, and towing can also affect what’s appropriate in real-world use.

Typical PSI ranges by vehicle type

The following ranges reflect common manufacturer recommendations for cold tire pressure. Always verify your exact numbers on the door-jamb placard or in the owner’s manual, as specifications vary by model, tire size, and load.

• Passenger cars (sedans/hatchbacks): 30–35 PSI cold (some specify 32–36 PSI)
• Modern EVs and many performance sedans: 38–42 PSI cold (e.g., many models specify 40–42 PSI)
• Crossovers and SUVs: 35–42 PSI cold, depending on size and weight
• Light trucks with P‑metric tires: typically 35–40 PSI cold
• Light trucks with LT tires (Load Range C/D/E): roughly 40–80 PSI cold depending on load; E-range may specify up to 80 PSI at max load
• Temporary “donut” spare tires: often 60 PSI cold (check sidewall/placard)
• Motorcycles and bicycles: outside the scope of car/light-truck norms; motorcycle tires commonly 28–42 PSI, bicycles vary widely (30–120 PSI) by type—always consult manufacturer guidance

Use these ranges only as a reference. The placard is authoritative for your vehicle, and the number molded on the tire sidewall is a maximum pressure at maximum load—not the recommended everyday pressure.

How to find the correct PSI for your vehicle

Look for the tire information placard on the driver’s door jamb (or occasionally the fuel door, glove box, or B‑pillar). It lists “cold” pressures for the original tire size and may show different values for front and rear, and for loaded vs. normal conditions. The owner’s manual repeats this information. If you’ve changed tire type/size or use LT tires for towing, consult load–inflation tables from the tire manufacturer to match the vehicle’s required load capacity. Do not use the sidewall maximum as your daily target.

How to check and set tire pressure accurately

Because temperature affects readings, tire pressure should be set “cold”—before driving or after the car has been parked for at least three hours. The steps below help you measure and adjust correctly.

1. Park the vehicle and let tires cool for three or more hours, or measure after driving less than one mile.
2. Use a quality gauge (digital or dial). Remove the valve cap, check each tire, and compare readings to the placard.
3. Add or release air to match the target PSI. A gas-station compressor or portable inflator works; topping off nitrogen-filled tires with regular air is acceptable.
4. Recheck all tires (and the spare, if applicable) and replace valve caps. Ensure front/rear pressures match their respective targets.
5. If your vehicle requires a manual TPMS reset, follow the manual; most systems update automatically after driving.

Make this a habit monthly and before long trips. Tires typically lose about 1–2 PSI per month, and pressures drop roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F fall in ambient temperature.

Temperature, load, and driving conditions

Set pressures to the placard value when tires are cold. Expect the gauge reading to rise as you drive; do not bleed air from a hot tire. As temperatures drop, pressures fall (about 1 PSI per 10°F), so winter cold snaps often trigger low-pressure warnings. If towing or carrying heavy loads, use the vehicle’s “loaded” pressure if listed; for LT tires, follow load–inflation tables to meet the required axle loads. Altitude has minimal practical effect on gauge readings compared with temperature.

Why correct PSI matters

Underinflation increases heat build-up, lengthens braking distances, reduces fuel economy, and wears tire shoulders prematurely. Overinflation can reduce grip and comfort and accelerate center tread wear. In the U.S., TPMS typically warns when pressure drops about 25% below the placard value (FMVSS 138). If a tire consistently loses more than 2 PSI per week, have it inspected for punctures, valve leaks, or rim issues.

When to seek service

See a professional if you notice persistent pressure loss, damage or bulges, uneven wear patterns, or a TPMS light that flashes on startup and then stays on (which can indicate a sensor fault). Replace tires that are aged out (generally 6–10 years from manufacture) even if tread remains.

Summary

Normal tire pressure depends on your vehicle. As a rule of thumb, most cars use 30–35 PSI cold, many SUVs and EVs specify 35–42 PSI, and trucks with LT tires and temporary spares require higher values. Always set pressures to the cold targets on your door-jamb placard, check monthly and before trips, and adjust for temperature swings and load to maintain safety, performance, and tire life.

What is the 5 psi rule?

The 5psi rule
Note this really only applies to on-road or smooth gravel roads. Check your tyres when they’re cold and again when they’re hot (after driving on them for ½ hour or so). If the difference between cold and hot tyre pressures is around 5psi, then you’re running the right pressures.

Should my tires be 32 or 35 psi?

Ideal Tire Pressure
Tire pressure between 32 to 35 PSI is suitable for most vehicles. However, one can go as low as 20 PSI (although that is not recommended). Anything below 20 PSI is considered a flat tire. PSI stands for pounds per square inch.

What tire psi is too high?

Tire psi is too high when it exceeds the pressure recommended on the driver’s side doorjamb sticker or the vehicle’s owner’s manual, as this indicates you are well beyond the optimal range for safety and even wear. While tires are designed to handle pressures higher than the recommended value, driving at excessive psi can cause premature wear on the center of the tire, reduce traction, result in a bumpy ride, and potentially lead to blowouts. 
Why High PSI is Bad

• Uneven and Excessive Wear: Over-inflated tires cause the center of the tire tread to bear more weight, leading to accelerated wear in the middle of the tire. 
• Reduced Traction: A smaller contact patch between the tire and the road surface reduces grip and traction. 
• Bumpy Ride: The tire’s ability to absorb road imperfections is diminished, resulting in a harsh and uncomfortable ride. 
• Increased Risk of Blowouts: While tires have a maximum load-carrying pressure rating on the sidewall, exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for normal driving can still create a risk of tire damage and blowouts under certain conditions, such as hitting a pothole. 
• Impact on Vehicle Systems: In some cases, over-inflated tires can interfere with the proper functioning of certain driver assistance features. 

How to Find the Correct PSI 

• Check the Doorjamb Sticker: Opens in new tabThe most accurate place to find the correct PSI is the sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb.
• Consult the Owner’s Manual: Opens in new tabIf you can’t find the sticker, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the specified tire pressure.
• Monitor Cold Tire Pressure: Opens in new tabAlways check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, as driving heats the tires, which increases the pressure.

Is 40 psi good tire pressure?

No, 40 PSI is not universally good tire pressure; it is often too high for standard passenger cars but can be appropriate for larger vehicles like SUVs, light trucks, or when carrying heavy loads, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You should always check the vehicle’s door placard or owner’s manual for the correct, recommended pressure, as it varies by vehicle weight, type, and tire specifications. 
Why 40 PSI might be too high (or just right)

• Passenger Cars: Most cars recommend 30-35 PSI for normal driving, so 40 PSI can be too high, leading to a harsh ride and potentially uneven tire wear. 
• SUVs & Light Trucks: For heavier vehicles, the recommended pressure can be higher, sometimes falling between 35 and 45 PSI. 
• Heavy Loads: Carrying heavy passengers or cargo may require a slightly higher pressure than the standard recommendation, making 40 PSI potentially appropriate in certain situations. 
• Trailer Tires: Trailer tires often require much higher pressures, which can be 50-65 PSI or more. 

How to find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure

1. Check the Driver’s Side Door Jamb: This is the most reliable place to find the recommended tire pressure, often listed on a sticker alongside the tire size. 
2. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual provides detailed information on tire pressure for different driving conditions. 
3. Look at the Sidewall (Max Pressure vs. Recommended): The number on the tire sidewall indicates the maximum cold pressure the tire can safely hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. 

What to do if you’re unsure

• Do Not Guess: Overinflating or underinflating can negatively affect safety, gas mileage, and tire life. 
• Use the Manufacturer’s Recommendation: Always prioritize the pressure specified by your car’s manufacturer on the door placard or in the owner’s manual. 
• Consider a Chalk Test: This can help you determine if your pressure is creating even contact with the road, but it’s still best to start with the manufacturer’s recommendation.