Tyre Pressure Chart — PSI & kPa Guide
Your tyre pressure is on the placard inside your driver's door jamb — not on the tyre itself. This is the quick-reference chart — for load-based calculations, temperature effects, and towing adjustments see the full PSI guide & calculator.
📍 Where to Find Your Tyre Pressure
Your correct pressure is printed on a placard inside the driver's door jamb — not on the tyre sidewall. The number on the tyre (e.g. "Max 51 PSI") is the absolute maximum, not your recommended pressure.
💨 PSI Quick-Reference Chart
Common pressure ranges by vehicle type. For exact pressure based on your load index, axle weights, and load range, use the full PSI calculator.
📋 PSI → kPa → Bar Conversion
| PSI | kPa | Bar | PSI | kPa | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 179 | 1.79 | 38 | 262 | 2.62 |
| 28 | 193 | 1.93 | 40 | 276 | 2.76 |
| 30 | 207 | 2.07 | 42 | 290 | 2.90 |
| 32 | 221 | 2.21 | 44 | 303 | 3.03 |
| 34 | 234 | 2.34 | 50 | 345 | 3.45 |
| 36 | 248 | 2.48 | 65 | 448 | 4.48 |
🇳🇿 Typical NZ Vehicle Pressures
These are general ranges — always use your door placard value. For exact calculations based on your load index and axle weights, use the full calculator.
| Vehicle Type | Front PSI | Rear PSI | NZ Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small hatchbacks | 28–32 | 26–30 | Yaris, Swift, Jazz, Demio |
| Sedans & crossovers | 32–35 | 30–33 | Corolla, Civic, CX-30, Impreza |
| Family SUVs | 33–36 | 33–36 | RAV4, CX-5, Outlander, X-Trail |
| Large SUVs & 4WDs | 34–40 | 34–40 | Prado, Patrol, Pajero Sport |
| Utes (LT tyres) | 36–44 | 40–50 | Hilux, Ranger, Navara, Triton |
| Vans & commercial | 40–50 | 44–65 | HiAce, Sprinter, NV350 |
📦 Load Adjustments
| Load Situation | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (1–2 passengers) | Standard placard | Standard placard |
| Full passengers (4–5 people) | Standard | +3–5 PSI |
| Light cargo (camping gear, luggage) | Standard | +3–5 PSI |
| Heavy cargo (building materials, moving house) | +3 PSI | +5–8 PSI |
| Max load / Towing | Use "full load" value on placard (typically 38–44 PSI) | |
❓ Why "Check Cold" Matters
Tyre pressure rises as you drive because friction and flexing generate heat. For every 5.5°C increase in tyre temperature, pressure rises by approximately 1 PSI. A tyre filled to 33 PSI on a cool morning can read 38+ PSI after a highway drive on a hot day.
"Cold" means: before driving, or at least 3 hours after stopping. If you must check after driving, expect readings 4–6 PSI higher than cold — but never release air from a hot tyre. You'll be underinflated when it cools.
Seasonal shifts: Tyres naturally lose 1–2 PSI per month through permeation. In winter, ambient temperature drops also reduce pressure. A tyre set to 33 PSI in autumn could be 28 PSI by mid-winter without any leak — just physics. This is why monthly checks matter.
📋 Key Rules
This Is the Quick-Reference Chart
Need exact pressure for your specific load index, axle weights, and load range? Want to understand ETRTO load/pressure tables, temperature compensation, or towing calculations? The full guide covers it all with an interactive calculator.
