Regarding tire pressure, the answer is: sometimes, but not always. It all depends on what the manufacturer of your car recommends. Many cars actually have different recommended pressures for the front and rear.
But why? Here are some of the most important reasons.
For many cars (especially those with a front engine and front-wheel drive), the front weighs more than the rear. This affects how much load the tires take. In such cases, a higher front pressure may be justified to handle the extra weight.
If you have a heavy load in the rear (e.g. luggage, passengers, or towing a trailer), the rear tires may need a different pressure. In many cases, a higher pressure is specified for the rear when fully loaded.
Tire pressure affects how a car handles corners, when braking, or when it comes to grip. In some cases, front and rear tire pressures are adjusted to balance the car's stability or handling characteristics.
Where do you find the correct tire pressure?
The best advice is to always look into:
- Car owner's manual
- The decal in the car: often on the inside of the driver's door, in the fuel filler flap or in the door frame
There you will find the recommended pressure, both front and rear, for different load situations (empty car, normal load, full load).
What happens if you have the wrong pressure?
Incorrect pressure can also affect the car's performance when loaded, braking and cornering.
If the pressure is too low: poorer grip, increased tire wear, higher fuel consumption and poorer driving characteristics.
If the pressure is too high: worse comfort, uneven wear (the tires wear more in the middle), and risk of poorer grip in curves.
Summary: When should you have different prints, and when should you have the same?
❗ If the car's instructions say the same pressure front and rear; keep it. Different pressures for "preventive purposes" without it being recommended can do more harm than good.
✅ If the car's recommendation says that it should be different pressures, follow the instructions. That's the best basis.
✅ If you drive with heavy cargo in the rear (luggage, passengers, trailer) check if there are separate values for full load.
✅ If you want to optimize safety, tire wear, comfort and fuel consumption, the right pressure is important
Niemi Bil offers tire service, new tires, tire changes and tire hotels in several locations. If you want to be sure that your car is in good condition, you can read more and book service at our workshops.
Things in this article that we can help you with:
Niemi Bil has workshops in most locations where we sell cars. We carry out all types of work on most car brands and can also offer services such as tire changes, tire hotels, service, repairs, and installation of additional equipment.
This question was answered by:
Mikael Höglund
Workshop Manager, Niemi Bil Uppsala
