What tyre pressure unit does my car use?

Most UK cars show tyre pressures in PSI on the door frame sticker or fuel filler cap. European and some Asian imports may show bar instead. Modern cars with TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring) often let you choose your preferred unit in the settings.

What is the difference between PSI and bar?

PSI (pounds per square inch) is the imperial unit commonly used in the UK and US. Bar is the metric unit used in continental Europe. 1 bar equals approximately 14.5 PSI. Typical car tyre pressures are 28-36 PSI (1.9-2.5 bar).

kPa (kilopascals) is another metric pressure unit where 1 bar = 100 kPa. It is commonly used in Australian and some Asian vehicle specifications. Typical tyre pressures are 190-250 kPa.

Does tyre pressure change with temperature?

Yes, tyre pressure increases by roughly 1 PSI (0.07 bar) for every 10 degrees Celsius rise in temperature. Check pressures when tyres are cold, before driving, for the most accurate reading.

What tyre pressure should I use?

Check the sticker on your car door sill or in the owners manual. Typical pressures are 30-36 PSI (2.0-2.5 bar) for standard driving. Higher pressures may be specified for full loads or motorway driving. Never use the pressure printed on the tyre sidewall, as that is the maximum, not the recommended.

CarCalcs

PSI to Bar Converter

Convert tyre pressures between PSI, bar, and kPa.

Convert From

Pressure (PSI)

How We Calculate This

This converter handles all three common tyre pressure units used around the world.

The Formulas

PSI to bar: bar = PSI x 0.0689476
Bar to PSI: PSI = bar / 0.0689476
Bar to kPa: kPa = bar x 100
PSI to kPa: kPa = PSI x 6.89476

Common Tyre Pressures

30 PSI = 2.07 bar = 207 kPa
32 PSI = 2.21 bar = 221 kPa
35 PSI = 2.41 bar = 241 kPa

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

MPH to KPH Converter

Convert between miles per hour and kilometres per hour.

Miles to Kilometres Converter

Convert distances between miles and kilometres.

Litres to Gallons Converter

Convert between litres and UK/US gallons.

Nm to ft-lb Converter

Convert torque values between Newton-metres and foot-pounds.

BHP to PS Converter

Convert between brake horsepower, PS (metric horsepower), and kW.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.