Not sure what PSI, Bar, or kPa mean on your tyre chart? You’re not alone. This quick guide explains how to read and convert tyre pressure measurements, helping you set the correct pressure for safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Understand your readings in seconds and drive with confidence.
Open the inside of your vehicle’s driver door and you will see a chart stuck on the inner sidewall.
This chart, complete with diagrams showing small figures and suitcases, is used to interpret the right pressure for tyres, based on the regular vehicle load and how many passengers the vehicle typically carries.
But if the variety of different figures and numbers leaves you feeling more than a little confused, then know that you’re not alone. The different figures encompass the different ways that tyre pressure is read and interpreted. These include PSI, Bar, and kPa.
In this article, we’re letting you know the differences between these readings and how to convert them from one to the next, so that you can accurately adjust the pressure in your tyres on your next stop at the local fuel station or gas pump.
The Different Types of Tyre Pressure Reading
Tyre pressure can be measured and adjusted in PSI, Bar, or kPa.
PSI is arguably the most commonly used and therefore the most recognisable tyre pressure measurement. It stands for Pound Force Per Square Inch and is presented as a single number: i.e., 32.
Bar is the metric unit which measures the atmospheric pressure in the tyre. It is presented as a small measurement: i.e., 2.17.
kPa refers to Kilopascal and measures the strength in the tyre. It reads as a much higher number than the two above readings: i.e., 217.
