Tire Pressure (PSI) Quick Reference

Recommended tire pressures for popular vehicles. Always check the sticker on the driver's door jamb for your specific vehicle -- that is the manufacturer's spec, not the number on the tire sidewall.

Where to Find Your Tire Pressure

The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is printed on a yellow and white sticker on the driver's door jamb. Open the driver's door and look at the edge of the door frame or the door pillar. This sticker shows the recommended PSI for front and rear tires, plus the spare.

Important: The number molded into the tire sidewall (e.g., "Max 44 PSI") is the maximum pressure the tire can handle -- NOT the recommended pressure for your vehicle. Inflating to that number gives a harsh ride and uneven wear.

Tire Pressure by Vehicle Type

General ranges by vehicle category. Use the vehicle-specific table below for exact specs.

Vehicle Type Typical PSI Range Notes
Compact / Sedan32-36 PSILower end for ride comfort, higher for fuel economy
Midsize Sedan32-36 PSIMost common range on the road
Crossover / Small SUV33-38 PSISlightly higher due to vehicle weight
Full-Size SUV35-40 PSICheck both loaded and unloaded specs
Half-Ton Truck35-44 PSIVaries significantly with payload
Heavy-Duty Truck50-80 PSIFront/rear split often very different
Sports Car32-40 PSIFront/rear stagger is common
Minivan33-36 PSICheck loaded spec when carrying passengers

Tire Pressure by Vehicle

Recommended cold tire pressure for popular vehicles with standard tire sizes. Your spec may differ if running non-OEM tires.

Vehicle Front (PSI) Rear (PSI) Tire Size
Toyota Camry (2018+)3535235/45R18
Toyota RAV4 (2019+; Hybrid uses 36/36)3535225/65R17
Honda CR-V (2023+)3532235/60R18
Ford F-150 (2021+; HD Payload Pkg uses 42)3535275/65R18
Ford Explorer (2020+)3333255/65R18
Ford Escape (2020+)3333225/65R17
Chevy Silverado 1500 (2019+; LT-tire trims like Trail Boss run 41-45)3535265/65R18
Chevy Equinox (2018+)3535225/65R17
Nissan Altima (2019+)3333215/55R17
Nissan Rogue (2021+; 18-19" wheels use 33/30)3633235/65R17
Hyundai Tucson (2022+)3535235/55R19
Kia Sportage (2023+)3535235/55R19
Subaru Outback (2020+)3533225/65R17
Subaru Forester (2019+; 18" trims use 35/33)3332225/60R17
RAM 1500 (2019+)3636275/55R20
Tesla Model 3 (2024+)4242235/45R18
Tesla Model Y (2023+)4242255/45R19
Mazda CX-5 (2023+)3535225/55R19

These are the most common placard values for the listed tire size. Pressures vary by trim, wheel size, and load package -- the sticker inside YOUR driver's door jamb always wins.

Cold vs Hot Tire Pressure

The spec on your door jamb is for cold tires -- meaning the car has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile.

  • Tire pressure changes about 1 PSI per 10 degrees F of air-temperature change on passenger tires
  • Driving heats tires and can raise pressure by 3-5 PSI -- this is normal and expected
  • Never bleed air from hot tires to reach the cold spec -- they'll be underinflated when they cool
  • Check pressure in the morning before driving for the most accurate reading

Seasonal Pressure Changes

Tire pressure drops in cold weather and rises in heat. This is the most common cause of TPMS warnings in fall and spring.

  • For every 10 degrees F drop in temperature, tires lose about 1 PSI
  • A 30-degree overnight temperature swing (summer to fall) can trigger the TPMS light
  • Check and adjust tire pressure monthly, and whenever seasons change
  • Nitrogen-filled tires are slightly more stable but still affected by temperature

TPMS Light Troubleshooting

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light means at least one tire is 25% or more below the recommended PSI. Here's what to do.

  • Steady TPMS light: At least one tire is low. Check all four tires (plus the spare if your vehicle monitors it) and inflate to spec.
  • Flashing TPMS light (then stays on): The TPMS system itself has a fault -- likely a dead sensor battery or sensor malfunction. Still check pressures, but the system needs service.
  • Light comes on in cold mornings, goes off later: Borderline-low tire pressure. Temperature drop pushes it below the threshold, and driving heats the tire enough to clear it. Add 2-3 PSI to the low tire.
  • After a tire rotation or new tires: Most vehicles need a TPMS relearn. See our TPMS reset guide for procedures by make.