How Much Air Do Tires Need?

Your tires are the only part of the vehicle that touches the road, which is why they must be properly cared for.

Have you been asking - how much air should I put in my tires? If so, we have the answers you are looking for.

Why Does The Correct Tire Pressure Matter?

How much air pressure should I put in my tires and why does it matter? That’s a common question that requires looking at overinflation and underinflation. When you overinflate a tire, it becomes stiff, decreasing your ability to steer the car. It’s also at risk for blowing out.

However, an underinflated tire causes problems too. The tire life is decreased when underinflated, plus fuel economy starts to suffer. Additionally, you can struggle with handling and cornering, which puts you at risk for an accident.

How Do I Know I Need To Fill My Tires With Air?

How much air should I put in my car tires and how do I know when to fill them? If you have a newer vehicle, there is a TPMS light on your dashboard that tells you when the tire pressure is low. Otherwise, you will need to keep an eye on the tires.

If one tire looks lower than the others, you might need some air. It’s best to check the air pressures occasionally. You can use a tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading. Don’t wait until you need to change the tires because of a blowout to find out that the pressure was too low.

How to Measure the Tire’s Pressure (Types of Gauges)

Stick (Pen-type) Pressure Gauge

This tool looks just like a pen and is the cheapest way to check the pressure. You can fit it in your glove compartment or pocket. However, the stick can be tricky to read, especially in low-light situations.

Dial Pressure Gauge

This analog gauge has a face that looks like a clock. It is easy to read but takes up more space than the stick-style. Additionally, it tends to cost more

Digital Pressure Gauge

The digital gauge uses a handy screen to give you a completely accurate reading. You will need batteries to keep it working, but it’s one of the easiest methods available.

How Much Air Should I Put in My Tires? Recommended Tire Pressures

Before you fill up the tires, you want to know the recommended amount as per the manufacturer.

You can typically find the recommended tire air pressure on a sticker located on the inside of your driver-side door. If it isn't there, look in the owner's manual or contact your local dealership.

If you are asking how much air should I put in my spare tire, you won’t get the same answer as someone asking how much air should I put in my truck tires? Each model is different.

1. How much air should I put in my motorcycle tires?

Most often, street bikes require tire pressures ranging from 28 to 40 psi. You want to look at the label that is affixed to the bike to get the accurate amount for your model. You can also check the owner’s manual for more information.

2. How much air should I put in my trailer tires?

You must inflate your trailer tires to the specification listed on the tires. The same size tires can require different pressures due to the load rating. A simple load rating change could alter the pressure needed from 35 psi to 60 psi very easily.

3. How much air should I put in my own car's tires?

What is the recommended tire pressure for your specific car? It depends on the parameters that the manufacturer sets. You can find this information on the driver’s side door. There should be a sticker telling you how much to inflate your tires. Otherwise, the information is also available in your owner’s manual.

4. How much air should I put in my truck tires?

The recommended tire pressure for trucks depends on the size of the truck and the tires. You can find the information needed on the driver’s side door placard. Otherwise, speak to your local tire center to find out the appropriate amounts for the loads you are carrying.

5. How much air should I put in my bike tires?

The recommended bike tire pressure depends on what type of bike you ride. Narrow tires are going to use much more air pressure than the wide ones. Mountain bikes generally need less air, and hybrid models tend to fall somewhere in the middle.

Recommended Tire Pressure Guide – Can You Put Too Much Air In Tires?

You should never exceed the maximum pressure rating, or the tire could blow out. Passenger tires are rated by load, as seen by the examples in this chart.

If you are trying to find the recommended tire pressure for 44 psi max, you won’t find it in this chart. However, the recommended tire pressure for 50 psi max and the recommended tire pressure for 51 psi max could be found in a truck-based chart.

Keep in mind that all tires are different. For this reason, you can’t assume that all Light Load tires can hold 35 psi. Instead, you must look at the door to find specific information about your vehicle.

If you want the recommended tire pressure for 65 psi max or the recommended tire pressure for 80 psi max, it’s best to consult your truck owner’s manual.

How to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

The most important step to maintaining tire pressure is to check the readings often. You want to do this with a high-quality gauge when the tires are cold.

After driving, the tire pressures are changed slightly, so this isn’t the best time to read pressures. You also want to check the pressure any time the weather changes.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is 40 psi too high for tires? What about 65 psi?

It depends on what type of tires you have and the vehicle you are driving. Check the driver-side door sticker for more information on the recommended tire pressure.

How much air should I put in my tires when it’s cold or wintertime?

For every 10 degrees colder the temperature gets, tire pressure can decrease by one psi. That’s why you should double-check the pressure when the temperature drops. You may also need to let a little air out when the temperature warms up.

How much air do I put in my 20-inch tires?

There are different load ratings for 20-inch tires. The only way to know for sure is to check the label on the driver’s side door.

How much air should I put in my Rav4 tires?

All RAV4 models are different, which is why you should reference the owner’s manual or sticker inside the door. However, a 2019 RAV4 requires between 32 and 40 psi.

How much air should I put in my Honda accord?

The recommended tire pressure for the front tires of a 2019 Honda Accord is 32 psi to 33 psi and 32 psi to 33 psi for the back tires.

What is the recommended tire pressure for 265 75r16 and 265 70r17?

These standard load tires have a maximum tire pressure of 36 psi. These tires can support up to 2756 pounds, depending on the vehicle they are installed on.

At what PSI will a tire explode?

Any time that you exceed the maximum tire pressure amount, you could risk a blowout. It’s not safe to ride on a tire that has more air than recommended.

Should front and rear tire pressure be the same?

It depends on your vehicle. Many models will require different tire pressures between the front and rear tires, so you want to check the placard inside the driver’s side door.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your car tires have the right amount of air pressure can make the difference between a safe drive and an accident. Use our guide to ensure your tires are inflated the way they should be.