How Much Air to Put in Tires With a Payload?

Every car tire has different air capacities.

Car tires require proper inflation for safe driving, as well as maintaining a good fuel efficiency. Many drivers do not take into consideration the payload factor when filling their tires with air.

Identification

Payload is the amount of maximum occupants, vehicle fluids, cargo and trailer weight a vehicle can carry. The manufacturer stipulates this number as the maximum weight the tires and chassis can support for safe driving

Function

Each vehicle has a different payload they can support. Along the driver's door jamb is a listing of various numbers. Look for the tire load rating. This number corresponds to the maximum air pressure for the tires with the maximum payload.

Considerations

Make sure to check air pressure in the tires when they are cold. This will give an accurate account of the pressure within. Also, keep in mind that extreme weather changes, such as the movement from fall to winter, affect tire pressures. They should be checked every few weeks to ensure proper air levels.

References

• The Boston Globe: Piling on too much weight is bad for cars, too; Peter DeMarco; June 2010
• Four Star Auto Service: How much air should I put in my tires?