The pressure printed on a tyre sidewall is often misunderstood. “MAX PRESS” describes a tyre limit under specified conditions; it is not normally the vehicle’s recommended everyday inflation pressure. Workshops should begin with the vehicle placard and manufacturer information.
Where to find the correct pressure
Michelin Malaysia says the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures are generally found on the driver-side door sticker, fuel-filler flap or owner’s manual. Front and rear settings can differ, and a separate loaded-vehicle figure may be shown.
Why the sidewall number is different
Sidewall markings such as MAX LOAD and MAX PRESS state tyre limits. Michelin’s marking guide explicitly notes that these are not necessarily the correct load and pressure values for the vehicle.
Measure pressure when the tyres are cold
Pressure rises as a tyre heats during driving. Bridgestone Malaysia advises checking when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1.6km at moderate speed. Do not bleed a hot tyre down to the cold recommendation.
A workshop pressure check
- Confirm vehicle, variant, tyre size and load condition.
- Read the placard or owner’s manual.
- Use an accurate gauge on cold tyres.
- Inspect the valve and look for leakage or damage.
- Record all four readings and the spare where applicable.
- Reset or recalibrate TPMS according to vehicle instructions after service.
What incorrect pressure can reveal
Repeated pressure loss needs diagnosis, not repeated top-ups. Look for punctures, valve leakage, wheel damage, bead-sealing problems or previous repair issues. Underinflation and overinflation can also contribute to irregular wear, heat and changes in handling.
The sidewall tells you what the tyre can tolerate. The vehicle placard tells you how that vehicle should normally operate.
For a broader inspection process, read Tyrestore’s uneven tyre wear guide or explore the Tyrestore workshop network.