255/70R16 · pickup / double-cab · PSI
What PSI for 255/70R16 tyres?
- Size
- 255/70R16
- Class
- pickup / double-cab
- Planning PSI
- 35
- Planning bar
- 2.41
psi
35
2.41 bar · 241 kPa · pickup / double-cab planning figure
255/70R16 · 35 psi · 2.41 bar · 241 kPa — estimates. Placard wins.
PSI is the garage-hose number. For 255/70R16 a typical pickup / double-cab planning figure is 35 psi cold — about 2.41 bar or 241 kPa. 16-inch crossover-truck overlap. These rows are estimates interpolated for the size, not OEM for a named VIN.
Estimated 255/70R16 pressure by load
These 255/70R16 load steps are ± a few PSI from 35. They are not a licence to ignore a printed second column on a van or estate.
| Condition | Front (est.) | Rear (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver only / unladen | 35 psi / 2.41 bar / 241 kPa | 37 psi / 2.55 bar / 255 kPa |
| Typical occupancy | 35 psi / 2.41 bar / 241 kPa | 38 psi / 2.62 bar / 262 kPa |
| Payload / towing (sketch) | 36 psi / 2.48 bar / 248 kPa | 39 psi / 2.69 bar / 269 kPa |
PSI, bar and kPa
Use the table, then set a cold gauge. 241 kPa is 100 × 2.41 bar on this size.
| PSI | Bar | kPa |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 2.14 | 214 |
| 32 | 2.21 | 221 |
| 33 | 2.28 | 228 |
| 34 | 2.34 | 234 |
| 35 | 2.41 | 241 |
| 36 | 2.48 | 248 |
| 37 | 2.55 | 255 |
| 38 | 2.62 | 262 |
| 39 | 2.69 | 269 |
| 40 | 2.76 | 276 |
| 41 | 2.83 | 283 |
| 42 | 2.90 | 290 |
| 43 | 2.96 | 296 |
| 44 | 3.03 | 303 |
| 45 | 3.10 | 310 |
| 46 | 3.17 | 317 |
| 47 | 3.24 | 324 |
What 255/70R16 means
A 255/70R16 on a pickup / double-cab is a geometry. Two cars can share the size and disagree on PSI because mass and axle split differ.
16-inch crossover-truck overlap. Rim diameter 16 in; section 255 mm. Estimates on this page assume a typical load index for the pickup / double-cab class.
Placard versus sidewall
This website maps size searches such as “255/70R16 psi”. It does not replace the VIN label. If the two disagree, the label wins.
Cars often seen on 255/70R16
These catalogue models are often seen on 255/70R16 or a close OEM neighbour. Open the vehicle chart for axle-specific PSI and bar.
How to set 255/70R16
- Measure before the school run, not after the motorway.
- Write LF / RF / RR / RL. Do not keep 255/70R16 numbers in your head.
- Add air in short bursts toward the placard, using 35 psi only as a map.
- If one 255/70R16 is 4 psi down, hunt for a nail before you blame the weather.
- Log date, ambient temperature and the four readings.
Temperature drift
Roughly 1 psi per 5–6 °C. The table uses 35 psi as a 20 °C baseline for 255/70R16.
| Ambient | Gauge | Bar | kPa | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| −5 °C (hard frost) | 32 psi | 2.21 bar | 221 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 0 °C | 33 psi | 2.28 bar | 228 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 8 °C (UK winter morning) | 34 psi | 2.34 bar | 234 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 20 °C (set cold here) | 35 psi | 2.41 bar | 241 kPa | Baseline for this size sketch |
| 30 °C | 37 psi | 2.55 bar | 255 kPa | Do not bleed a hot 255/70R16 |
| 38 °C (heatwave tarmac) | 38 psi | 2.62 bar | 262 kPa | Do not bleed a hot 255/70R16 |
Keep 255/70R16 on the printed band for that car; 35 psi is a size sketch, not a second VIN label.
Questions about 255/70R16
Should I bleed pressure after a motorway run?
No. Heat raises the gauge. Set cold only. Bleeding a hot tyre leaves it low the next morning.
Is the sidewall number correct for 255/70R16?
No. Sidewall PSI or kPa is a maximum for the carcass. Operating pressure is the door-pillar placard.
Is 255/70R16 the same as a plus-size swap?
Only if that is the size you fitted. Overall diameter should stay close to OEM. Pressure still follows the car, with load index at or above original.
What PSI should 255/70R16 tyres be?
A pickup / double-cab planning figure is about 35 psi cold (2.41 bar / 241 kPa). Confirm on the vehicle placard — two cars can share 255/70R16 and not share a sticker.
What is 255/70R16 in bar?
35 psi is 2.41 bar. Add a tenth of a bar if the placard’s laden column is higher, which is common on vans that wear this size.
Handbook: placard · bar vs PSI · cold inflation · all sizes