Tire Products, Guides, And Advice That Make The Grade

Tire Products, Guides, And Advice That Make The Grade

what psi should low profile tires be

What PSI Should Low Profile Tires Be?

Will Creech

 | 

Time To Read:

7 minutes
Will Creech

 | 

Time To Read:

7 minutes
Table Of Contents
  1. Low Profile Tire Pressure Chart
  2. The Importance of Correct Tire Pressure
  3. Recommended Tire Pressure vs. Maximum Pressure
  4. Understanding Low Profile Tires
  5. Resources
  6. Final Thoughts

Have you ever glanced at the sleek, low profile tires on a sports car and wondered about the right air pressure for them? Ensuring the correct tire pressure is crucial, not just for the tire’s longevity but also for your safety on the road.

What PSI Should Low Profile Tires Be?

Low profile tires often require a slightly different PSI than regular tires. You can use our tire pressure chart to find the proper air pressure using the current OEM tire pressure and load index when changing the tire aspect ratio.

The OEM air pressure and load index can be found on the tire’s sidewall or in the vehicle owner’s manual.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into understanding low profile tires, their recommended pressures, and the significance of maintaining the right PSI. We’ll also provide a handy tire pressure chart and guide you on how to use it effectively.

Let’s take a closer look.

Low Profile Tire Pressure Chart

The following table allows you to find the load carrying capacity (in pounds) of standard tires based on the load index and air pressure.

LOAD INDEX 24 PSI 25 PSI 26 PSI 27 PSI 28 PSI 29 PSI 30 PSI 31 PSI 32 PSI 33 PSI 34 PSI 35 PSI 36 PSI
80 699 728 757 785 814 843 871 900 928 957 986 1014 1043
81 719 749 779 809 839 869 899 929 959 989 1019 1049 1079
82 740 770 801 831 862 893 923 954 984 1015 1046 1076 1107
83 760 792 823 855 886 918 949 981 1012 1044 1075 1107 1138
84 781 814 846 879 911 944 976 1009 1041 1074 1106 1139 1171
85 802 836 869 903 936 970 1003 1037 1070 1104 1137 1171 1204
86 824 859 893 928 962 997 1031 1066 1100 1135 1169 1204 1238
87 846 882 918 954 990 1026 1062 1098 1134 1170 1206 1242 1278
88 869 906 943 980 1017 1054 1091 1128 1165 1202 1239 1276 1313
89 892 930 968 1006 1044 1082 1120 1158 1196 1234 1272 1310 1348
90 916 955 994 1033 1072 1111 1150 1189 1228 1267 1306 1345 1384
91 940 980 1020 1060 1100 1140 1180 1220 1260 1300 1340 1380 1420
92 965 1006 1047 1088 1129 1170 1211 1252 1293 1334 1375 1416 1457
93 990 1032 1074 1116 1158 1200 1242 1284 1326 1368 1410 1452 1494
94 1016 1059 1102 1145 1188 1231 1274 1317 1360 1403 1446 1489 1532
95 1042 1086 1130 1174 1218 1262 1306 1350 1394 1438 1482 1526 1570
96 1069 1114 1159 1204 1249 1294 1339 1384 1429 1474 1519 1564 1609
97 1097 1143 1189 1235 1281 1327 1373 1419 1465 1511 1557 1603 1649
98 1125 1172 1219 1266 1313 1360 1407 1454 1501 1548 1595 1642 1689
99 1154 1202 1250 1298 1346 1394 1442 1490 1538 1586 1634 1682 1730
100 1183 1232 1281 1330 1379 1428 1477 1526 1575 1624 1673 1722 1771
101 1213 1263 1313 1363 1413 1463 1513 1563 1613 1663 1713 1763 1813
102 1243 1295 1347 1399 1451 1503 1555 1607 1659 1711 1763 1815 1867
103 1274 1328 1382 1436 1490 1544 1598 1652 1706 1760 1814 1868 1922
104 1306 1361 1416 1471 1526 1581 1636 1691 1746 1801 1856 1911 1966
105 1338 1395 1452 1509 1566 1623 1680 1737 1794 1851 1908 1965 2022
106 1371 1430 1489 1548 1607 1666 1725 1784 1843 1902 1961 2020 2079
107 1405 1466 1527 1588 1649 1710 1771 1832 1893 1954 2015 2076 2137
108 1440 1503 1566 1629 1692 1755 1818 1881 1944 2007 2070 2133 2196
109 1476 1541 1606 1671 1736 1801 1866 1931 1996 2061 2126 2191 2256
110 1513 1580 1647 1714 1781 1848 1915 1982 2049 2116 2183 2250 2317
111 1551 1620 1689 1758 1827 1896 1965 2034 2103 2172 2241 2310 2379
112 1590 1661 1732 1803 1874 1945 2016 2087 2158 2229 2300 2371 2442
113 1630 1703 1776 1849 1922 1995 2068 2141 2214 2287 2360 2433 2506
114 1671 1746 1821 1896 1971 2046 2121 2196 2271 2346 2421 2496 2571
115 1713 1790 1867 1944 2021 2098 2175 2252 2329 2406 2483 2560 2637
116 1756 1835 1914 1993 2072 2151 2230 2309 2388 2467 2546 2625 2704
117 1800 1881 1962 2043 2124 2205 2286 2367 2448 2529 2610 2691 2772
118 1845 1928 2011 2094 2177 2260 2343 2426 2509 2592 2675 2758 2841
119 1891 1976 2061 2146 2231 2316 2401 2486 2571 2656 2741 2826 2911
120 1938 2025 2112 2199 2286 2373 2460 2547 2634 2721 2808 2895 2982
121 1986 2075 2164 2253 2342 2431 2520 2609 2698 2787 2876 2965 3054
122 2035 2126 2217 2308 2399 2490 2581 2672 2763 2854 2945 3036 3127
123 2085 2178 2271 2364 2457 2550 2643 2736 2829 2922 3015 3108 3201
124 2136 2231 2326 2421 2516 2611 2706 2801 2896 2991 3086 3181 3276
125 2188 2285 2382 2479 2576 2673 2770 2867 2964 3061 3158 3255 3352

How to Use the Tire Pressure Table for Standard Load Tires

  1. Identify Your Tire’s Load Index:
    • The load index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry. It’s usually found on the sidewall of the tire, following the tire size. For example, in the tire size “205/55R16 91V”, the load index is “91”.
  2. Locate the Load Index on the Table:
    • Scan the first column of the table until you find the load index that matches the one on your tire.
  3. Locate the Load Carrying Capacity on the Table:
    • Once you’ve located the correct load index row, move horizontally across the row to find the corresponding OEM tire pressure. The table cell that aligns with the OEM load index and tire pressure is the current load carrying capacity of your passenger tire.
  4. Find the Correct Air Pressure for Your New Low Profile Tires:
    • Using the load index of your new low profile tires, find the matching load carrying capacity and the column header will list the new proper tire pressure to prevent uneven tire wear and optimal handling.
  5. Adjust Tire Pressure Accordingly:
    • Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check the current pressure of your tires. If the pressure is outside the range recommended by the table and your vehicle’s specifications, adjust it accordingly. Remember to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (i.e., haven’t been driven on for at least three hours) for the most accurate reading.
  6. Safety First:
    • Never inflate a tire beyond its maximum pressure, which can also be found on the tire sidewall. Overinflation can lead to reduced traction, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout.
    • Conversely, underinflated tires can cause poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and excessive heat buildup leading to tire failure.
  7. Regularly Check Tire Pressure:
    • Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before long trips. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your tires.
recommended tire pressure sticker in driver's door jam
Tire Information Sticker In Driver’s Door Jamb

The Importance of Correct Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is how much air is inside your tire. It’s important to make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Let’s talk about why this is so important.

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

There are a few big reasons:

  • Safety: Tires with the right amount of air grip the road better. This means you can stop quickly if you need to. It also means your car won’t slide around on wet roads.
  • Save Money: Tires with the correct pressure can help you use less gas. This means you don’t have to fill up your gas tank as often.
  • Tire Life: Tires last longer when they have the right amount of air. If they don’t, they can wear out faster.

What Happens If Tire Pressure Is Wrong?

If there’s too much or too little air in your tires, you might notice:

  • Harder to Drive: Your car might not handle well. It could feel like it’s pulling to one side.
  • More Gas Used: Your car might use more gas than usual.
  • Tire Damage: Your tires could get damaged. They might even burst if there’s too much air.
max psi for tires
Max PSI For Tires

Recommended Tire Pressure vs. Maximum Pressure

Tire pressure is crucial for safe driving and the overall health of your tires. When we talk about tire pressure, two terms often come up: “recommended tire pressure” and “maximum pressure” or “Max Pressure.” Let’s dive into what these terms mean and how they differ.

What is Recommended Tire Pressure?

  • Definition: This is the ideal amount of air that should be in your tires for everyday driving. It ensures optimal performance, safety, and tire lifespan.
  • Where to Find It: The recommended tire pressure is usually found:
    • On a sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel door.
    • In the vehicle’s manual.
  • Purpose: This pressure:
    • Provides the best balance between performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
    • Reduces tire wear, ensuring your tires last longer.
    • Keeps you safe by ensuring good grip and handling on the road.

What is Max Pressure?

  • Definition: This is the highest amount of air a tire can safely hold. It’s not what you should aim for in daily driving.
  • Where to Find It: The maximum pressure is often printed on the tire’s sidewall. It’s usually next to the tire size and is followed by “PSI” or “kPa.”
  • Purpose: This pressure:
    • Is NOT for regular driving. It’s the limit you shouldn’t cross.
    • Can be used as a reference when carrying heavy loads, but you should never exceed it.
    • Indicates the tire’s safety limit. Going beyond can risk a blowout or rapid tire failure.
what are low profile tires
Low Profile Tires Can Be Very Difficult To See Or Feel A Difference When Air Pressure Is Low.

Understanding Low Profile Tires

Low profile tires are a type of tire that many people choose for their cars and trucks. Let’s break down what they are and why some people like them.

What Are Low Profile Tires?

  • Low profile tires have less rubber between the wheel and the road.
  • This means the tire’s “side” (called the sidewall) is shorter than on regular tires.

Why Do People Choose Low Profile Tires?

There are a few reasons why someone might pick low profile tires for their vehicle:

  • Looks: Some people think they make a car or truck look sportier or more stylish.
  • Handling: These tires can make a car feel more connected to the road. This can be good for quick turns.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Yes, there are some things to think about:

  • Comfort: Because there’s less rubber, you might feel bumps in the road more.
  • Damage: They can get damaged more easily. For example, if you hit a big pothole, the tire might get punctured or wheel might get bent.

How to Tell If You Have Low Profile Tires

If you’re not sure what kind of tires you have, here’s a simple way to check:

  1. Look at the tire’s side.
  2. You’ll see some numbers and letters. This is the tire size.
  3. The middle number tells you about the profile. A smaller number means it’s a low profile tire. For example, in “225/45R17”, the “45” means it’s a low profile tire.

Should You Get Low Profile Tires?

It depends on what you want:

  • If you like the look and don’t mind feeling the road more, they might be a good choice.
  • If you want a smoother ride or are worried about damage, you might want to think about other options.

Resources

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires

Final Thoughts

While low profile tires can offer enhanced handling and a sportier look, they also come with their set of considerations. Always adhere to the recommended tire pressure, cross-referencing with your vehicle’s specifications.

Regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure can lead to optimal performance, increased tire lifespan, and most importantly, a safer driving experience. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just someone looking to understand their vehicle better, being informed about tire pressure is a step in the right direction.

Good luck and happy motoring.

About The Author

Have you ever glanced at the sleek, low profile tires on a sports car and wondered about the right air pressure for them? Ensuring the correct tire pressure is crucial, not just for the tire’s longevity but also for your safety on the road.

What PSI Should Low Profile Tires Be?

Low profile tires often require a slightly different PSI than regular tires. You can use our tire pressure chart to find the proper air pressure using the current OEM tire pressure and load index when changing the tire aspect ratio.

The OEM air pressure and load index can be found on the tire’s sidewall or in the vehicle owner’s manual.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into understanding low profile tires, their recommended pressures, and the significance of maintaining the right PSI. We’ll also provide a handy tire pressure chart and guide you on how to use it effectively.

Let’s take a closer look.

Low Profile Tire Pressure Chart

The following table allows you to find the load carrying capacity (in pounds) of standard tires based on the load index and air pressure.

LOAD INDEX 24 PSI 25 PSI 26 PSI 27 PSI 28 PSI 29 PSI 30 PSI 31 PSI 32 PSI 33 PSI 34 PSI 35 PSI 36 PSI
80 699 728 757 785 814 843 871 900 928 957 986 1014 1043
81 719 749 779 809 839 869 899 929 959 989 1019 1049 1079
82 740 770 801 831 862 893 923 954 984 1015 1046 1076 1107
83 760 792 823 855 886 918 949 981 1012 1044 1075 1107 1138
84 781 814 846 879 911 944 976 1009 1041 1074 1106 1139 1171
85 802 836 869 903 936 970 1003 1037 1070 1104 1137 1171 1204
86 824 859 893 928 962 997 1031 1066 1100 1135 1169 1204 1238
87 846 882 918 954 990 1026 1062 1098 1134 1170 1206 1242 1278
88 869 906 943 980 1017 1054 1091 1128 1165 1202 1239 1276 1313
89 892 930 968 1006 1044 1082 1120 1158 1196 1234 1272 1310 1348
90 916 955 994 1033 1072 1111 1150 1189 1228 1267 1306 1345 1384
91 940 980 1020 1060 1100 1140 1180 1220 1260 1300 1340 1380 1420
92 965 1006 1047 1088 1129 1170 1211 1252 1293 1334 1375 1416 1457
93 990 1032 1074 1116 1158 1200 1242 1284 1326 1368 1410 1452 1494
94 1016 1059 1102 1145 1188 1231 1274 1317 1360 1403 1446 1489 1532
95 1042 1086 1130 1174 1218 1262 1306 1350 1394 1438 1482 1526 1570
96 1069 1114 1159 1204 1249 1294 1339 1384 1429 1474 1519 1564 1609
97 1097 1143 1189 1235 1281 1327 1373 1419 1465 1511 1557 1603 1649
98 1125 1172 1219 1266 1313 1360 1407 1454 1501 1548 1595 1642 1689
99 1154 1202 1250 1298 1346 1394 1442 1490 1538 1586 1634 1682 1730
100 1183 1232 1281 1330 1379 1428 1477 1526 1575 1624 1673 1722 1771
101 1213 1263 1313 1363 1413 1463 1513 1563 1613 1663 1713 1763 1813
102 1243 1295 1347 1399 1451 1503 1555 1607 1659 1711 1763 1815 1867
103 1274 1328 1382 1436 1490 1544 1598 1652 1706 1760 1814 1868 1922
104 1306 1361 1416 1471 1526 1581 1636 1691 1746 1801 1856 1911 1966
105 1338 1395 1452 1509 1566 1623 1680 1737 1794 1851 1908 1965 2022
106 1371 1430 1489 1548 1607 1666 1725 1784 1843 1902 1961 2020 2079
107 1405 1466 1527 1588 1649 1710 1771 1832 1893 1954 2015 2076 2137
108 1440 1503 1566 1629 1692 1755 1818 1881 1944 2007 2070 2133 2196
109 1476 1541 1606 1671 1736 1801 1866 1931 1996 2061 2126 2191 2256
110 1513 1580 1647 1714 1781 1848 1915 1982 2049 2116 2183 2250 2317
111 1551 1620 1689 1758 1827 1896 1965 2034 2103 2172 2241 2310 2379
112 1590 1661 1732 1803 1874 1945 2016 2087 2158 2229 2300 2371 2442
113 1630 1703 1776 1849 1922 1995 2068 2141 2214 2287 2360 2433 2506
114 1671 1746 1821 1896 1971 2046 2121 2196 2271 2346 2421 2496 2571
115 1713 1790 1867 1944 2021 2098 2175 2252 2329 2406 2483 2560 2637
116 1756 1835 1914 1993 2072 2151 2230 2309 2388 2467 2546 2625 2704
117 1800 1881 1962 2043 2124 2205 2286 2367 2448 2529 2610 2691 2772
118 1845 1928 2011 2094 2177 2260 2343 2426 2509 2592 2675 2758 2841
119 1891 1976 2061 2146 2231 2316 2401 2486 2571 2656 2741 2826 2911
120 1938 2025 2112 2199 2286 2373 2460 2547 2634 2721 2808 2895 2982
121 1986 2075 2164 2253 2342 2431 2520 2609 2698 2787 2876 2965 3054
122 2035 2126 2217 2308 2399 2490 2581 2672 2763 2854 2945 3036 3127
123 2085 2178 2271 2364 2457 2550 2643 2736 2829 2922 3015 3108 3201
124 2136 2231 2326 2421 2516 2611 2706 2801 2896 2991 3086 3181 3276
125 2188 2285 2382 2479 2576 2673 2770 2867 2964 3061 3158 3255 3352

How to Use the Tire Pressure Table for Standard Load Tires

  1. Identify Your Tire’s Load Index:
    • The load index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry. It’s usually found on the sidewall of the tire, following the tire size. For example, in the tire size “205/55R16 91V”, the load index is “91”.
  2. Locate the Load Index on the Table:
    • Scan the first column of the table until you find the load index that matches the one on your tire.
  3. Locate the Load Carrying Capacity on the Table:
    • Once you’ve located the correct load index row, move horizontally across the row to find the corresponding OEM tire pressure. The table cell that aligns with the OEM load index and tire pressure is the current load carrying capacity of your passenger tire.
  4. Find the Correct Air Pressure for Your New Low Profile Tires:
    • Using the load index of your new low profile tires, find the matching load carrying capacity and the column header will list the new proper tire pressure to prevent uneven tire wear and optimal handling.
  5. Adjust Tire Pressure Accordingly:
    • Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check the current pressure of your tires. If the pressure is outside the range recommended by the table and your vehicle’s specifications, adjust it accordingly. Remember to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (i.e., haven’t been driven on for at least three hours) for the most accurate reading.
  6. Safety First:
    • Never inflate a tire beyond its maximum pressure, which can also be found on the tire sidewall. Overinflation can lead to reduced traction, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout.
    • Conversely, underinflated tires can cause poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and excessive heat buildup leading to tire failure.
  7. Regularly Check Tire Pressure:
    • Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before long trips. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your tires.
recommended tire pressure sticker in driver's door jam
Tire Information Sticker In Driver’s Door Jamb

The Importance of Correct Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is how much air is inside your tire. It’s important to make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Let’s talk about why this is so important.

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

There are a few big reasons:

  • Safety: Tires with the right amount of air grip the road better. This means you can stop quickly if you need to. It also means your car won’t slide around on wet roads.
  • Save Money: Tires with the correct pressure can help you use less gas. This means you don’t have to fill up your gas tank as often.
  • Tire Life: Tires last longer when they have the right amount of air. If they don’t, they can wear out faster.

What Happens If Tire Pressure Is Wrong?

If there’s too much or too little air in your tires, you might notice:

  • Harder to Drive: Your car might not handle well. It could feel like it’s pulling to one side.
  • More Gas Used: Your car might use more gas than usual.
  • Tire Damage: Your tires could get damaged. They might even burst if there’s too much air.
max psi for tires
Max PSI For Tires

Recommended Tire Pressure vs. Maximum Pressure

Tire pressure is crucial for safe driving and the overall health of your tires. When we talk about tire pressure, two terms often come up: “recommended tire pressure” and “maximum pressure” or “Max Pressure.” Let’s dive into what these terms mean and how they differ.

What is Recommended Tire Pressure?

  • Definition: This is the ideal amount of air that should be in your tires for everyday driving. It ensures optimal performance, safety, and tire lifespan.
  • Where to Find It: The recommended tire pressure is usually found:
    • On a sticker inside the driver’s door or fuel door.
    • In the vehicle’s manual.
  • Purpose: This pressure:
    • Provides the best balance between performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
    • Reduces tire wear, ensuring your tires last longer.
    • Keeps you safe by ensuring good grip and handling on the road.

What is Max Pressure?

  • Definition: This is the highest amount of air a tire can safely hold. It’s not what you should aim for in daily driving.
  • Where to Find It: The maximum pressure is often printed on the tire’s sidewall. It’s usually next to the tire size and is followed by “PSI” or “kPa.”
  • Purpose: This pressure:
    • Is NOT for regular driving. It’s the limit you shouldn’t cross.
    • Can be used as a reference when carrying heavy loads, but you should never exceed it.
    • Indicates the tire’s safety limit. Going beyond can risk a blowout or rapid tire failure.
what are low profile tires
Low Profile Tires Can Be Very Difficult To See Or Feel A Difference When Air Pressure Is Low.

Understanding Low Profile Tires

Low profile tires are a type of tire that many people choose for their cars and trucks. Let’s break down what they are and why some people like them.

What Are Low Profile Tires?

  • Low profile tires have less rubber between the wheel and the road.
  • This means the tire’s “side” (called the sidewall) is shorter than on regular tires.

Why Do People Choose Low Profile Tires?

There are a few reasons why someone might pick low profile tires for their vehicle:

  • Looks: Some people think they make a car or truck look sportier or more stylish.
  • Handling: These tires can make a car feel more connected to the road. This can be good for quick turns.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Yes, there are some things to think about:

  • Comfort: Because there’s less rubber, you might feel bumps in the road more.
  • Damage: They can get damaged more easily. For example, if you hit a big pothole, the tire might get punctured or wheel might get bent.

How to Tell If You Have Low Profile Tires

If you’re not sure what kind of tires you have, here’s a simple way to check:

  1. Look at the tire’s side.
  2. You’ll see some numbers and letters. This is the tire size.
  3. The middle number tells you about the profile. A smaller number means it’s a low profile tire. For example, in “225/45R17”, the “45” means it’s a low profile tire.

Should You Get Low Profile Tires?

It depends on what you want:

  • If you like the look and don’t mind feeling the road more, they might be a good choice.
  • If you want a smoother ride or are worried about damage, you might want to think about other options.

Resources

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires

Final Thoughts

While low profile tires can offer enhanced handling and a sportier look, they also come with their set of considerations. Always adhere to the recommended tire pressure, cross-referencing with your vehicle’s specifications.

Regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure can lead to optimal performance, increased tire lifespan, and most importantly, a safer driving experience. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just someone looking to understand their vehicle better, being informed about tire pressure is a step in the right direction.

Good luck and happy motoring.

Help A Friend (& Us!) By Sharing This Article

About The Author

Table Of Contents
  1. Low Profile Tire Pressure Chart
  2. The Importance of Correct Tire Pressure
  3. Recommended Tire Pressure vs. Maximum Pressure
  4. Understanding Low Profile Tires
  5. Resources
  6. Final Thoughts

Help A Friend (& Us!) By Sharing This Article

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