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Tyre Pressure (PSI) Recommendation Guide

A Comprehensive Guide for Passenger, Commercial, and 4WD Vehicles
Last Updated: May 3, 2025

Important: Always consult your vehicle’s placard or owner’s manual for exact PSI values. This guide is a general reference only.

Contents

1. Introduction

This guide offers detailed PSI recommendations for a variety of tyre sizes, organized by rim size, tyre type, load index, and vehicle usage. Adjust pressures based on driving conditions, load, and tyre manufacturer guidelines. It includes a quick-reference diagram and PSI-to-kPa conversions for convenience.

1.1 Quick-Reference PSI Ranges

Typical PSI ranges by vehicle type:

Vehicle Type PSI Range
Passenger 30–40 PSI
SUV/4WD 38–48 PSI
Commercial 50–65 PSI
Heavy Duty 65–120 PSI

Note: Adjust for load and conditions. Check your vehicle placard for specifics.

1.2 PSI to kPa Conversion

Convert PSI to kPa easily:

PSI kPa
30 207 kPa
35 241 kPa
40 276 kPa
45 310 kPa
50 345 kPa
60 414 kPa
70 483 kPa
80 552 kPa
100 689 kPa
120 827 kPa

2. Passenger & Light Commercial Tyres

2.1 12" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
155R12C Commercial 88/86 C 40–44 PSI 46–50 PSI Light vans (e.g., Suzuki Carry)

2.2 13" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
155/80R13 Passenger 79T 30–32 PSI 32–34 PSI Compact sedans (e.g., Toyota Starlet)
155R13C Commercial 84/82C 42–46 PSI 48–52 PSI Light vans, small trailers
165R13C Commercial 86/84C 44–48 PSI 50–54 PSI Medium vans (e.g., Nissan AD Van)
175/70R13 Passenger 82–86 30–34 PSI 34–36 PSI Older sedans (e.g., Honda Civic EG)
175R13C Commercial 97/95C 48–52 PSI 55–60 PSI High-load trailers, courier vans
185/70R13 Passenger 86–88 32–35 PSI 35–37 PSI Family sedans (e.g., Mitsubishi Mirage)

2.3 14" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
165/70R14 Passenger 81–84 30–32 PSI 32–34 PSI Compact cars (e.g., Mazda Demio)
165R14C Commercial 88/86C 42–46 PSI 48–52 PSI Microvans, utility trailers
175/65R14 Passenger 82–86 30–34 PSI 32–36 PSI Small cars (e.g., Suzuki Swift)
175/70R14 Passenger 84–88 32–35 PSI 34–36 PSI Sedans (e.g., Toyota Echo)
175R14C Commercial 99/98C 48–52 PSI 55–60 PSI Courier vans, flat deck trailers
185/60R14 Passenger 82–86 32–35 PSI 34–36 PSI Hatchbacks (e.g., Honda Civic)
185/65R14 Passenger 86–88 32–35 PSI 34–36 PSI Sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla)
185/70R14 Passenger 88–90 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Budget family cars
185R14C Commercial 102/100C 50–54 PSI 58–62 PSI Long wheelbase vans, trailers
195/60R14 Passenger 86–89 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Medium sedans
195R14C Commercial 106/104C 52–56 PSI 58–64 PSI Vans (e.g., Toyota HiAce)
205/70R14 Passenger 94–97 36–38 PSI 38–40 PSI Larger wagons

2.4 15" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
175/65R15 Passenger 84–88 32–34 PSI 34–36 PSI Hatchbacks (e.g., Mazda 2)
185/55R15 Passenger 82–85 32–34 PSI 34–36 PSI Sporty compacts
185/60R15 Passenger 84–88 32–35 PSI 34–36 PSI Hatchbacks (e.g., Nissan Note)
185/65R15 Passenger 86–91 32–36 PSI 34–38 PSI Sedans (e.g., Honda Civic)
195/55R15 Passenger 85–89 33–36 PSI 35–38 PSI Compacts (e.g., Honda Fit RS)
195/60R15 Passenger 86–90 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Sedans, hatchbacks
195/65R15 Passenger 89–92 34–38 PSI 36–40 PSI Family cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla)
195R15C Commercial 106/104C 50–54 PSI 58–62 PSI Utes, vans (e.g., Toyota HiAce)
205/60R15 Passenger 91–95 34–38 PSI 36–40 PSI Sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry)
205/65R15 Passenger 94–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Estates, loaded sedans
205/70R15 Passenger 96–100 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI SUVs (e.g., older Toyota Hilux)
215/65R15 Passenger 100–103 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Light SUVs, raised wagons
215/75R15 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Off-road SUVs
225/70R15 Passenger 100–104 38–42 PSI 40–46 PSI All-terrain SUVs
225/70R15C Commercial 112/110C 50–55 PSI 58–65 PSI Heavy vans, trailers
235/75R15 Passenger 105–108 40–45 PSI 42–48 PSI 4WDs (e.g., Toyota Surf)
31x10.5R15 LT/4WD 109–113 36–40 PSI 40–44 PSI Mud terrain (e.g., Toyota Hilux)
32x11.5R15 LT/4WD 113–115 38–42 PSI 42–46 PSI Wide off-roaders
33x12.5R15 LT/4WD 115–118 40–44 PSI 44–48 PSI Lifted 4WDs, bush use
35x12.5R15 LT/4WD 118–121 42–46 PSI 46–50 PSI Serious off-road, load hauling

2.5 16" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
185/55R16 Passenger 83–87 32–35 PSI 34–36 PSI Sporty hatchbacks (e.g., VW Polo)
185/75R16C Commercial 104/102C 50–54 PSI 58–62 PSI Vans, small trucks
195/45R16 Passenger 80–84 32–36 PSI 34–38 PSI Sporty hatchbacks
195/50R16 Passenger 84–88 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Compact cars (e.g., Mini Cooper)
195/55R16 Passenger 87–91 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Hatchbacks, light sedans
195/60R16 Passenger 89–93 34–38 PSI 36–40 PSI Compact SUVs, AWD hatchbacks
195/75R16C Commercial 107/105C 52–56 PSI 58–62 PSI Utes, trailers
205/45R16 Passenger 83–88 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Sedans (e.g., Mazda 3 SP25)
205/55R16 Passenger 89–94 34–38 PSI 36–40 PSI Sedans, wagons
205/60R16 Passenger 91–96 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Family wagons (e.g., Toyota Corolla)
205/65R16 Passenger 94–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI AWD wagons, vans
215/55R16 Passenger 93–97 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sedans (e.g., Subaru Legacy)
215/60R16 Passenger 94–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI SUVs (e.g., Mitsubishi Outlander)
215/65R16 Passenger 98–102 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4)
215/65R16C Commercial 106/104C 50–54 PSI 58–62 PSI Vans, trailers
215/70R16 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Soft roaders
215/70R16C Commercial 109/107C 52–56 PSI 58–62 PSI Commercial vans, campervans
215/75R16C Commercial 113/111C 54–58 PSI 60–64 PSI High-load trailers
225/60R16 Passenger 98–102 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Older 4WDs, sedans
225/65R16C Commercial 112/110C 54–58 PSI 60–64 PSI Cargo vans, trailers
225/70R16 Passenger 102–106 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Off-road SUVs
225/75R16 Passenger 108–110 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Raised 4WDs
235/60R16 Passenger 100–104 38–42 PSI 40–46 PSI Mid-size wagons, SUVs
235/70R16 Passenger 106–110 40–45 PSI 42–48 PSI 4WD wagons, light utes
245/70R16 Passenger 109–112 40–45 PSI 42–48 PSI All-terrain, mud terrain
245/75R16 Passenger 111–115 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI High clearance 4WDs
255/70R16 Passenger 112–116 42–46 PSI 44–50 PSI Larger SUVs, crossovers
265/70R16 LT/4WD 112–116 40–46 PSI 44–50 PSI Utes, towing setups
265/75R16 LT/4WD 116–120 42–48 PSI 44–52 PSI Raised 4WDs, touring
285/75R16 LT/4WD 118–123 44–50 PSI 46–54 PSI Lifted off-roaders
305/70R16 LT/4WD 119–124 46–52 PSI 48–56 PSI Wide 4WDs, aggressive tread
315/75R16 LT/4WD 121–127 48–54 PSI 50–58 PSI Extreme off-road
7.00R16C Commercial 116–120C 55–60 PSI 60–70 PSI Rural trailers, agricultural
7.50R16C Commercial 120–122C 60–65 PSI 66–72 PSI Industrial trailers

2.6 17" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
205/40R17 Passenger 84–87 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Sporty trims, lowered hatchbacks
205/45R17 Passenger 84–88 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Compacts (e.g., VW Golf)
205/50R17 Passenger 87–91 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Performance cars (e.g., Mazda 3)
205/55R17 Passenger 91–94 36–38 PSI 38–40 PSI Sedans, wagons
215/40R17 Passenger 87–90 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Lowered show cars
215/45R17 Passenger 87–91 34–36 PSI 36–38 PSI Hatchbacks (e.g., Honda Civic)
215/50R17 Passenger 91–94 36–38 PSI 38–40 PSI Midsize sedans, compact SUVs
215/55R17 Passenger 93–96 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Crossovers (e.g., Toyota Camry)
215/60R17 Passenger 95–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI AWD compacts, soft roaders
225/45R17 Passenger 91–94 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sports sedans
225/50R17 Passenger 94–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Large hatchbacks
225/55R17 Passenger 95–99 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Crossovers (e.g., Subaru Outback)
225/60R17 Passenger 98–102 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI AWD wagons, soft roaders
225/65R17 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI SUVs (e.g., Toyota Highlander)
235/45R17 Passenger 94–98 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Performance sedans
235/55R17 Passenger 99–102 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI AWD SUVs
235/60R17 Passenger 102–105 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Medium SUVs
235/65R17 Passenger 104–108 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Off-road crossovers
245/45R17 Passenger 95–100 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sports sedans, lowered
245/65R17 Passenger 107–110 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI SUVs (e.g., Mitsubishi Pajero)
255/65R17 Passenger 109–112 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Utes, 4WD wagons
265/65R17 LT/4WD 110–115 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Utes (e.g., Toyota Hilux)
265/70R17 LT/4WD 112–116 44–48 PSI 46–50 PSI Raised 4WDs, touring
285/65R17 LT/4WD 116–120 46–50 PSI 48–52 PSI Aggressive off-roaders
285/70R17 LT/4WD 118–122 48–52 PSI 50–54 PSI Heavy-duty off-road
33x12.5R17 LT/4WD 118–123 48–52 PSI 50–56 PSI Oversized 4WD fitment

2.7 18" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
215/45R18 Passenger 89–93 36–38 PSI 38–40 PSI Sports hatches
215/55R18 Passenger 94–98 38–40 PSI 40–42 PSI Crossover SUVs
225/40R18 Passenger 88–92 36–38 PSI 38–40 PSI Performance hatches (e.g., VW Golf GTI)
225/45R18 Passenger 91–94 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sports sedans
225/55R18 Passenger 98–102 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI SUVs, AWD vehicles
225/60R18 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Family crossovers
235/40R18 Passenger 91–95 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sports sedans (e.g., BMW 3 Series)
235/45R18 Passenger 94–98 38–40 PSI 40–42 PSI Sedans (e.g., Honda Accord)
235/50R18 Passenger 97–101 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI AWD, hybrid sedans
235/55R18 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4)
235/60R18 Passenger 103–106 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Heavy-use SUVs
245/40R18 Passenger 93–97 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sports coupes (e.g., Audi S-line)
245/45R18 Passenger 96–100 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Performance sedans
245/60R18 Passenger 104–108 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Larger crossovers
255/55R18 Passenger 105–110 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI 7-seater SUVs, towing
255/60R18 Passenger 107–111 44–48 PSI 46–50 PSI SUVs (e.g., Toyota Prado)
265/35R18 Performance 97–100 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Wide sport fitment
265/60R18 LT/4WD 110–114 44–48 PSI 46–50 PSI Raised SUVs, utes
33x12.5R18 LT/4WD 118–122 48–52 PSI 50–56 PSI Oversized off-road

2.8 19" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
225/35R19 Performance 88–91 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Low-profile sedans
225/40R19 Passenger 90–94 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Sedans (e.g., BMW 3 Series)
225/45R19 Passenger 92–96 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI AWD sedans, estates
225/55R19 Passenger 99–103 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI SUV crossovers
235/35R19 Performance 91–94 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Sports coupes
235/40R19 Passenger 92–96 38–42 PSI 40–42 PSI Performance cars (e.g., Subaru WRX)
235/45R19 Passenger 95–99 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Modern SUVs, wagons
235/50R19 Passenger 99–103 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Hybrid SUVs
235/55R19 Passenger 101–105 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI SUVs (e.g., Honda CR-V)
245/35R19 Performance 93–96 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Low-profile BMW/Audi
245/40R19 Passenger 94–98 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Premium sedans
245/45R19 Passenger 98–102 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI SUVs (e.g., Mazda CX-5)
255/55R19 Passenger 107–110 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Family SUVs, 7-seaters

2.9 20" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
245/30R20 Performance 90–93 36–40 PSI 38–42 PSI Ultra-low profile sedans
245/35R20 Performance 92–95 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Sport builds
245/45R20 Passenger 100–104 40–44 PSI 42–46 PSI Aggressive sedan trims
255/35R20 Performance 94–97 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Luxury fitment
265/50R20 Passenger 107–111 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Off-road SUVs
275/35R20 Performance 96–100 38–42 PSI 40–44 PSI Muscle sedans
275/40R20 Passenger 102–106 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI SUV sedans
275/45R20 Passenger 106–110 42–46 PSI 44–48 PSI Utes (e.g., Ford Explorer)
275/55R20 Passenger 111–115 44–48 PSI 46–50 PSI Full-size SUVs (e.g., Toyota Prado)
285/50R20 Passenger 112–116 44–48 PSI 46–52 PSI 4WD wagons, 7-seaters
285/55R20 Passenger 113–117 46–50 PSI 48–52 PSI Wide off-road SUVs
33x12.5R20 LT/4WD 118–122 48–52 PSI 50–56 PSI Lifted 4WDs, MT/AT terrain

3. Heavy Duty & Commercial Tyres

3.1 17.5" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
205/75R17.5 Commercial 124/122 M 65–70 PSI 75–80 PSI Delivery vans, light trucks
215/75R17.5 Commercial 126/124 M 70–75 PSI 80–85 PSI Medium trucks, regional haul
235/75R17.5 Commercial 132/130 M 75–80 PSI 85–90 PSI Heavy trailers, short haul

3.2 19.5" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
225/70R19.5 Commercial 128/126 M 75–80 PSI 85–90 PSI Urban delivery trucks
245/70R19.5 Commercial 133/131 M 80–85 PSI 90–95 PSI Regional transport trucks
265/70R19.5 Commercial 140/138 M 85–90 PSI 95–100 PSI Long haul trucks, buses

3.3 22.5" Tyres

Tyre Size Type Load Index PSI (Normal) PSI (Loaded) Notes
11R22.5 Commercial 146/143 M 100–110 PSI 115–120 PSI Heavy trucks, long haul
275/70R22.5 Commercial 148/145 M 100–110 PSI 115–120 PSI Buses, heavy trailers
295/80R22.5 Commercial 152/148 M 110–115 PSI 120–125 PSI Long haul, heavy trailers

4. General Guidelines

  1. Check When Cold: Measure after tyres are stationary for 3+ hours or driven less than 2 km.
  2. Adjust for Load: Increase PSI for heavy loads or towing within recommended ranges.
  3. Seasonal Adjustments:
    • Cold Weather: Drops 1 PSI per 5°C decrease.
    • Hot Weather: Increase slightly, but stay below sidewall max.
  4. Off-Road Use: Lower PSI (e.g., 20–30 PSI for 4WDs) for sand/mud/rocks; reinflate for roads.
  5. Tyre Types:
    • Passenger: Lower PSI for comfort.
    • Commercial: Higher PSI for loads.
    • LT/4WD: Balance for on/off-road.
  6. Max PSI: Never exceed sidewall maximum.
  7. Regular Checks: Monthly and before long trips with a reliable gauge.
  8. Tools:
    • Digital Gauges: Accurate, easy to read.
    • Analog Gauges: Durable, affordable.
    • TPMS: Alerts for low pressure (modern vehicles).
  9. Placard Location: Driver’s side door jamb, glovebox, or fuel filler flap.

5. Troubleshooting

  • Uneven Wear: Underinflation (worn edges) or overinflation (worn center). Adjust PSI, rotate tyres.
  • Slow Leaks: Check for punctures, valve damage, or rim leaks with soapy water.
  • TPMS Alerts: Verify with a gauge; reset per manual if needed.
  • Vibration/Poor Handling: Balance PSI across tyres; check alignment/suspension if persistent.
  • Action: Consult a professional for ongoing issues or extreme conditions (e.g., racing, towing).

6. Safety Notes

  • Underinflation: Heat buildup, reduced efficiency, premature wear.
  • Overinflation: Less traction, harsher ride, higher damage risk.
  • Mismatched Pressures: Impacts handling/braking; keep PSI balanced.
  • Professional Advice: Seek for high-speed, towing, or off-road use.

7. Additional Notes

  • Load Index: Max load capacity at specified PSI.
  • Speed Rating: Match PSI to tyre speed rating for high speeds.
  • Vehicle-Specific: Cross-check with manufacturer recommendations.
  • Spare Tyres: Check regularly; often need higher PSI (e.g., 60 PSI for compact spares).
  • Tyre Age: Watch older tyres for pressure consistency.

Disclaimer: This is a general reference. Always prioritize your vehicle’s placard, owner’s manual, or tyre manufacturer’s recommendations.

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