The quick answer
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s pressure information for the actual tyre fitment and loading condition. Match front and rear values carefully and check under the stated conditions, normally with cold tyres. A tyre’s sidewall maximum and a TPMS warning threshold are not substitute settings.
Start with the vehicle information
Look in the vehicle handbook and on its pressure label, often on a door pillar or inside the fuel flap. Michelin explains where to find the recommended settings. Check that the row refers to the tyre size actually fitted. If the label is missing, unreadable or does not cover a modified wheel fitment, ask the manufacturer or a competent tyre professional to establish the appropriate specification.
Avoid copying a number from a similar-looking van or an internet forum. Different versions of the same model can have different tyre sizes and load requirements. Keep a clear photograph of your own label with the vehicle records; it is more useful than memorising one isolated number.
Match the load and the axle
Read the label as a table rather than a single instruction. Identify the tyre size, the loading condition and the front/rear columns before using a value. Some vehicles provide different recommendations for a full load. A work van carrying tools throughout the week may need a different assessment from the same model used empty.
Do not create a setting by averaging two rows, or assume that adding pressure makes an overloaded vehicle acceptable. If the actual load or approved fitment is uncertain, resolve that with the manufacturer information and vehicle records.
Keep the units consistent
| On the label | On the gauge | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| bar | bar | Use the matching value for that axle and load. |
| psi | psi | Use the matching psi value. |
| Different units | A different unit selected | Change the gauge display or use a reliable conversion before adjustment. |
Do not treat a decimal bar figure as psi, and do not round a value casually because another number looks familiar. If a pump display or control is confusing, ask for help rather than experimenting with the tyre.
Measure under the right conditions
Follow the handbook’s measurement instructions and use a reliable gauge. Cold-tyre readings are normally the reference; recent driving can raise the reading. Michelin’s pressure-check guide explains why timing matters. Do not bleed a warm tyre down to a cold target merely because the displayed number is higher.
Record the wheel position, reading and whether the vehicle had been driven. Consistent records help distinguish a pressure-setting issue from a tyre that repeatedly loses air. See our repeated pressure-loss guide if the same tyre needs frequent topping up.
Know when adjustment is not the next step
A flat conventional tyre, rapid pressure loss, a bulge or visible reinforcement calls for assessment and suitable assistance. Adding air does not restore damaged structure. For a high-pressure commercial assembly or a suspected damaged tyre, leave the inflation process to competent personnel with the right equipment.
If the vehicle is beside fast-moving traffic, do not turn finding the pressure label into a roadside inspection. Address the location and people’s safety first.
Make a useful pressure record
- Registration and exact fitted tyre sizes.
- The source of the recommended settings and relevant load row.
- Separate front and rear targets, with units.
- Actual readings, date and measurement conditions.
- Any loss, warning, impact or recent tyre work.
Bring this information to an assessment or replacement enquiry. It helps explain the history without implying that a pressure reading alone proves the tyre is fit to use.
Common questions
Should all four tyres have the same pressure?
Only if the manufacturer’s relevant setting says so. Front and rear values can differ.
Is the maximum on the tyre the recommended setting?
No. Find the vehicle-specific recommendation and loading condition.
Can a pressure warning replace regular checks?
No. Follow the handbook and check actual pressures routinely. A monitoring system is assistance, not a complete condition inspection.
Sources and further reading
Guidance checked on 11 October 2026. Use the current official instructions for your vehicle and circumstances.