Understanding Tyre Pressure: PSI, Bar & kPa
4 min read
Your car's door sticker says 32 PSI, the gauge at the petrol station reads Bar, and the manual mentions kPa. They all measure the same thing โ just in different units. Here is how to make sense of tyre pressure.
The Three Units
1 Bar = 14.504 PSI = 100 kPa
PSI (US/UK) | Bar (Europe) | kPa (Australia/Science)
Quick Conversions
- PSI to Bar: divide by 14.5 (or roughly รท 15 for mental math)
- Bar to PSI: multiply by 14.5
- PSI to kPa: multiply by 6.895
- Bar to kPa: multiply by 100
Common Tyre Pressures
| Vehicle Type | PSI | Bar | kPa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small car | 30 | 2.1 | 207 |
| Sedan | 32 | 2.2 | 220 |
| SUV | 35 | 2.4 | 241 |
| Sports car | 36 | 2.5 | 248 |
| Bicycle | 80-130 | 5.5-9.0 | 552-896 |
Why Correct Pressure Matters
- Underinflated: More fuel consumption, uneven wear on edges, overheating risk
- Overinflated: Harsh ride, less grip, wear on centre of tread
- Just right: Best fuel economy, even wear, proper handling
Check your tyre pressure monthly and always when tyres are cold (before driving). Heat from driving increases pressure readings by 2-4 PSI.
Where to Find Your Recommended Pressure
- Driver's door jamb sticker
- Fuel filler cap (some vehicles)
- Owner's manual
- NOT on the tyre sidewall โ that number is the maximum, not the recommended pressure
๐ Try our free pressure converter
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