We find that most people use a tyre pressure in the region of 200 to 220 kPa (2 bar) in both the front and the rear tyres. It would also seem that this is the pressure that most service stations would recommend if a driver does not know the recommended pressure for their vehicle. When we have new tyres fitted on our vehicle, or have the pressure checked at most tyre dealers, this is also the range of pressure most likely to be used.
The motor vehicle manufacturers spend a fortune on the design, development and testing of vehicles before they are put into mass production. During this development and testing stage, they will evaluate different components, tyres being one of them, and will test them under many different and varied conditions, as well as with different tyre pressures. Ultimately, the vehicle manufacturers will approve the tyre size and brand for the vehicle; and these are the ones that would be fitted to the vehicle at the time that it comes out of the plant, known in the industry as the “OE” fitment.
At the same time, the vehicle manufacturer will determine the recommended tyre pressures. These pressures will factor things like safety, in the form of vehicle handling under different laden conditions, vehicle handling and braking characteristics, comfort and fuel economy. You may also find differing tyre pressure in the front and rear tyres.
If you change to a non-approved tyre on a vehicle, or use different tyre pressures to those recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, you will change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Checking your tyre pressures at least once a month will aid in extending the life of your tyres.
The pressures are almost always indicated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual, and in more recent years, on the inside of the fuel cap, for easy access by the service station attendant. So the next time you want to check your tyre pressure, changing them to “2 bar” is most probably not the correct pressure!
If you’re unsure, bring your vehicle to one of our BestDrive tyre fitment centres where we can assist you and ensure that you learn and know your correct tyre pressure.
