What tire pressure should I read?
On newer cars, the recommended tire pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If there’s no sticker on the door, you can usually find the specs in the owner’s manual. Most passenger cars will recommend 32 psi to 35 psi in the tires when they’re cold.
Should tire pressure be checked cold?
Vehicle manufacturer recommended tire pressures are to be checked and set when “cold.” These conditions are typically defined as, in the morning before ambient air temperatures rise, the vehicle is driven or exposed to direct sunlight; all of which will cause a temporary artificial buildup.
What should the pressure be on a SL tire?
The maximum allowed pressure listed on a tire’s sidewall can be higher however. Some tires list 44 psi and many higher speed tires will list 50-51 psi. This added pressure does nothing for load capacity. Pressures above 35-36 psi for SL tires and 41-42 psi for XL tires will not increase the load capacity of the tire.
How often should you check your tire pressure?
The truth is, tires lose pressure daily. In cool weather, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month. In warm weather, tires lose even more air. That’s why it’s recommended that you check air pressure every other time you stop to fill up your gas tank. Keep in mind that many vehicles have different tire pressures on the …
How is the pressure of a tire rated?
Each tire is rated with a load range, load index number, and max pressure rating. Passenger tires will be rated Light Load (LL), Standard Load (SL), or Extra Load (XL). Extra Load tires of the same size will typically have the same load capacity at the same pressure as the Standard Load tire.
What’s the maximum pressure for an extra load tire?
Extra Load tires of the same size will typically have the same load capacity at the same pressure as the Standard Load tire. However, they have added load capacity above certain pressures. Light and Standard Load tires have a maximum capacity pressure rating of 35-36 psi and Extra load tires have a maximum capacity pressure rating of 41-42 psi.
What should the pressure be on new tires?
Even after you’ve replaced your tires, the same pressure guidelines on your car’s label apply to new tires of the same size. If your tires are larger than the stock models that came on your car and you’re unsure of the recommended PSI, check the tire’s sidewall to find the maximum cold PSI level.
The maximum allowed pressure listed on a tire’s sidewall can be higher however. Some tires list 44 psi and many higher speed tires will list 50-51 psi. This added pressure does nothing for load capacity. Pressures above 35-36 psi for SL tires and 41-42 psi for XL tires will not increase the load capacity of the tire.
Do you need to check the air pressure in your spare tire?
(While you’re at it, check the air in your spare tire, too. It loses air pressure over time.) Even after you’ve replaced your tires, the same pressure guidelines on your car’s label apply to new tires of the same size.
How is tire load capacity related to air pressure?
Tire load capacity is directly related to air pressure in the tires. As tire pressure goes up or down, so does the load capacity of the tire. Too much air can wear the tires unevenly in the center and can create a wondering effect on the vehicle’s handling.