Guides · How to Check Tire Pressure
Sidewall Pressure vs Door Sticker
The door sticker is the recommended cold PSI. The sidewall is the tire's maximum.
Short answer
The door sticker, or Tire and Loading Information label, is the recommended cold pressure for the vehicle. The large number on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure for that tire. They answer different questions.
The vehicle maker chose the door number for load, ride, and the original tire sizes. The tire maker printed a maximum so the tire is not inflated past its construction limit. Using the maximum as a daily target is the most common pressure mistake on this site.
If you installed a different size, you still do not automatically switch to the sidewall max. You need guidance for that size on that vehicle. When in doubt, start from the door sticker and get the combination checked.
A spare's sidewall number can be higher still. That is another reason not to copy one number onto every tire on the car.
Step-by-step
- 1Read the door sticker first.
- 2Treat the sidewall number as a ceiling.
- 3Measure the current pressure.
- 4Inflate toward the door sticker, never past the sidewall max.
- 5Get help if the installed size is not on the sticker.
Common mistakes
Inflating to the big sidewall number That is a limit, not a recommendation.
Ignoring a two-value door sticker Front and rear can differ.
Copying a friend's PSI Their sticker is not yours.
Safety notes
Never use a pressure above the tire's sidewall maximum.
FAQ
Why is the sidewall number bigger? It is a maximum rating, not a comfort or handling target.
What if the sticker is missing? Use the owner manual. Do not default to the sidewall.