Tyre Pressure Guide for London Drivers (PSI Chart by Car)

Where to find your car's correct pressure

Three reliable sources, in order:

1. 1The sticker inside the driver's door jamb (the most accurate for your specific car).
2. 2Inside the fuel filler flap (some manufacturers put it here instead).
3. 3The owner's manual.

DO NOT use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall — that's the tyre's limit, not your car's recommended setting. Using sidewall PSI will over-inflate and cause centre-tread wear.

PSI chart for common UK cars (front / rear, normal load)

• Ford Fiesta (2017+): 32 / 30 PSI
• Ford Focus (2018+): 34 / 32 PSI
• VW Golf MK7/MK8: 33 / 32 PSI
• VW Polo (2017+): 32 / 30 PSI
• BMW 1 Series (F40): 33 / 36 PSI
• BMW 3 Series (G20): 32 / 38 PSI (rear higher — RWD weight bias)
• Mini Cooper (F56): 32 / 30 PSI
• Mercedes A-Class (W177): 33 / 33 PSI
• Mercedes C-Class (W205/W206): 32 / 36 PSI
• Audi A3 (8Y): 34 / 32 PSI
• Tesla Model 3: 42 / 42 PSI (unusually high — EV weight)
• Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 33 / 32 PSI
• Nissan Qashqai (J11/J12): 33 / 31 PSI
• Range Rover Evoque: 35 / 33 PSI

Why London drivers lose pressure faster

• Stop-start ULEZ traffic creates more heat-cool cycles, expanding and contracting the rubber and stressing valves.
• Pothole impacts on the A12, A40, A2 and unrepaired residential streets cause micro-leaks through the rim seal.
• Sharp temperature swings (London can vary 15°C in a day) change pressure by ~2 PSI per 10°C.
• Lots of low-speed cornering wears valves faster — kerbing during parallel parking is a common culprit.

How to check without a gauge (in an emergency)

Not as accurate as a £6 digital gauge, but useful when you're stuck:

• Visually compare all four tyres. A noticeably 'flatter' looking one is at least 8–10 PSI low.
• Press hard with your thumb on the sidewall. A correctly inflated tyre barely flexes. A 10 PSI low tyre dents about 5mm.
• Drive slowly for 50 metres in a straight line and listen — under-inflated tyres make a soft 'thumping' sound.

The MOT test pressure rule

MOT testers check pressure as part of the tyre inspection. A tyre more than 25% below recommended PSI is a major fail — for a car with 32 PSI recommended, that's anything under 24 PSI. It's a common surprise fail.

Cold vs warm pressure

Always check tyres COLD — first thing in the morning before driving, or after a 3-hour rest. A 5-mile drive can warm tyres enough to add 3–4 PSI. If you check warm, subtract 4 PSI from your reading to compare to the door sticker.