Select your VAG group vehicle to get the exact manufacturer-recommended tyre pressures in PSI, BAR and kPa.
Tyre pressures shown are based on manufacturer specifications. Always check the tyre pressure label on your vehicle — typically on the driver door jamb or fuel filler cap — as pressures may vary by trim level and tyre size. Check tyres when cold only.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters
Every car has a manufacturer-specified tyre pressure — measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), BAR, or kPa — set to balance safety, fuel economy, and tyre wear. This recommended pressure is determined by the vehicle’s weight, suspension setup, and tyre size, and is unique to each make and model. Running at the correct tyre inflation pressure ensures your tyres make proper contact with the road, reducing the risk of a blowout, uneven wear, or poor handling. You’ll find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, inside the fuel filler flap, or in your owner’s manual.
PSI vs BAR vs kPa — Which Unit Should You Use?
All three units measure the same thing — tyre inflation pressure — just on different scales. PSI is the most commonly used in the UK, with most passenger car tyres sitting between 28 and 36 PSI. BAR is used widely across Europe, where the same range reads as roughly 1.9 to 2.5 BAR. kPa (kilopascals) is less common in everyday use but appears on some European and Japanese vehicles. Most digital tyre inflators at petrol stations allow you to switch between all three units — just match the unit to what’s shown on your car’s tyre placard.
What Happens If Your Tyre Pressure Is Wrong?
Running low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, raises fuel consumption, causes the tyre to overheat, and accelerates wear on the outer edges of the tread. In severe cases it can lead to a sudden tyre blowout at speed. Over-inflated tyres reduce the contact patch with the road, making handling unpredictable and causing accelerated wear in the centre of the tread. Even a few PSI off the recommended pressure has a measurable effect — which is why checking tyre pressure monthly and before long motorway journeys is strongly advised.
How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
Tyres naturally lose around 1–2 PSI per month through normal permeation, and pressure drops further in cold weather — roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F (5.5°C) drop in temperature. This means winter tyre pressure checks are especially important. The general recommendation is to check tyre pressure at least once a month and always before a long journey. Always check pressure when the tyres are cold — meaning the car has been stationary for at least three hours or driven less than a mile — as heat from driving temporarily increases pressure and will give a falsely high reading.
Does Tyre Pressure Change With Load?
Most manufacturers specify two tyre pressure settings — one for normal driving and a higher pressure for full load conditions such as carrying a full complement of passengers or towing. The difference is typically 4–6 PSI higher at the rear axle under load. If your car has TPMS, note that it warns you when pressure drops below a threshold but does not adjust for load automatically. Always check your door jamb placard before a heavy trip or towing.
What Tyre Pressure Should You Use for Winter Tyres?
Winter tyres have their own recommended pressures, which are typically the same as or slightly higher than your summer tyre specifications — but always check the placard or your winter tyre manufacturer’s guidance as it varies. In cold temperatures, tyre pressure drops more rapidly, so checking pressure more frequently during winter months is essential. If you’re running all-season tyres year-round — a common choice across northern Europe — follow the manufacturer’s standard pressure recommendation but monitor more closely through autumn and winter as ambient temperatures fall.