Ford · Explorer · kPa
231 kPa front, 231 kPa rear — Ford Explorer
- Drivetrain
- front-wheel drive
- Body
- SUV / crossover
- PSI F / R
- 32-35 / 32-35
- Bar F / R
- 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4
kPa
231 / 231
2.31 / 2.31 bar · 32-35 / 32-35 psi
32-35 psi F · 32-35 psi R · 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4 bar · 231/231 kPa
If your gauge only speaks kPa, aim near 231 / 231 for this Explorer, then fine-tune to the placard. A 10 °C overnight drop takes roughly 1 psi (0.07 bar) off a closed Ford tyre.
kPa, bar and PSI
kPa-led conversions. 220 kPa is 2.2 bar and about 32 psi — handy if this Explorer sticker uses SI units.
| kPa | Bar | PSI |
|---|---|---|
| 207 | 2.07 | 30 |
| 221 | 2.21 | 32 |
| 228 | 2.28 | 33 |
| 231 | 2.31 | 33.5 |
| 241 | 2.41 | 35 |
| 248 | 2.48 | 36 |
| 262 | 2.62 | 38 |
| 276 | 2.76 | 40 |
| 303 | 3.03 | 44 |
| 345 | 3.45 | 50 |
| 414 | 4.14 | 60 |
Estimated pressure by tyre size (225/60R18 and others)
225/60R18 is the first planning size here. 235/60R18 is usually the plus-size or LT step. Keep load index at or above original equipment.
| Tyre size | Front PSI | Rear PSI | Front bar | Rear bar | Front kPa | Rear kPa | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225/60R18 | 35 | 35 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 241 | 241 | Highway CUV |
| 245/60R18 | 36 | 37 | 2.48 | 2.55 | 248 | 255 | Heavier CUV |
| 235/60R18 | 36 | 36 | 2.48 | 2.48 | 248 | 248 | Plus-size 18-inch |
| 225/65R17 | 35 | 35 | 2.41 | 2.41 | 241 | 241 | Very common 17-inch |
| 245/55R19 | 36 | 36 | 2.48 | 2.48 | 248 | 248 | Low-profile 19-inch |
| 215/70R16 | 34 | 34 | 2.34 | 2.34 | 234 | 234 | Compact crossover |
| 235/65R17 | 35 | 36 | 2.41 | 2.48 | 241 | 248 | Mid-size SUV |
| 255/50R20 | 37 | 37 | 2.55 | 2.55 | 255 | 255 | 20-inch plus-size |
Ford Explorer placard versus sidewall
If the Ford sticker is painted over, the handbook is next. This website is a map, not a replacement VIN label.
Temperature drift
Roughly 1 psi per 5–6 °C. The table uses 34 psi as a 20 °C baseline for this Explorer.
| Ambient | Gauge (front mid) | Bar | kPa | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| −5 °C (hard frost) | 31 psi | 2.14 bar | 214 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 0 °C | 32 psi | 2.21 bar | 221 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 8 °C (UK winter morning) | 33 psi | 2.28 bar | 228 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 20 °C (set cold here) | 34 psi | 2.34 bar | 234 kPa | Baseline |
| 30 °C | 36 psi | 2.48 bar | 248 kPa | Do not bleed a hot tyre |
| 38 °C (heatwave tarmac) | 37 psi | 2.55 bar | 255 kPa | Do not bleed a hot tyre |
How to set the Explorer
- Measure before the school run, not after the M25.
- Write LF / RF / RR / RL. Do not keep Explorer numbers in your head.
- Add air in short bursts toward 34 psi (2.31 bar) front and 34 psi rear.
- If one corner is 4 psi down, hunt for a nail before you blame the weather.
- Log date, ambient temperature and the four readings.
Load notes
Load moves the rear of a SUV / crossover first. If the factory placard already has a “laden” column, use that instead of these sketches.
| Condition | Front (est.) | Rear (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver only | 34 psi / 2.34 bar | 34 psi / 2.34 bar |
| Full occupancy | 35 psi / 2.41 bar | 36 psi / 2.48 bar |
| Motorway + luggage | 36 psi / 2.48 bar | 37 psi / 2.55 bar |
Ford notes
Ford UK placards on the Explorer are often printed in PSI even when the handbook also shows bar. A Mondeo, Focus or Kuga does not share a Transit number. Loaded vans use the second column.
Spare and inflator kit
A matching full-size spare on the Ford Explorer usually follows the higher axle (often the rear, near 32-35 psi). A space-saver is commonly 60 psi / 4.1 bar — read that tyre’s own sidewall. An inflator kit is not a spare; check the sealant date.
If the Ford sticker and this page disagree, the sticker wins.
Other Ford models
Questions about this Explorer
What is that in bar and kPa for the Explorer?
Mid-points are about 2.31 bar (231 kPa) front and 2.31 bar (231 kPa) rear.
When does TPMS warn on a Ford Explorer?
Direct TPMS typically flags about 25% below placard — near 25 psi on this row. Fill to the sticker, not to the lamp.
Is the sidewall number correct on a Ford Explorer?
No. Sidewall PSI is a maximum. The Explorer placard is the operating target, near 32-35/32-35 psi.
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.
What tyre pressure should a Ford Explorer use?
Catalogue reference is 32-35 psi front and 32-35 psi rear (2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4 bar), cold. Confirm on the door-pillar placard.
Handbook: placard · bar vs PSI · front vs rear · cold inflation