How to read the tyre placard

On almost every modern car the tyre-information placard is on the driver’s B-pillar or the door edge. Some makers put a copy inside the fuel-filler flap. It lists original size, cold pressure for front and rear, and sometimes a second row for full load or a higher speed.

The first column is usually the unladen or standard figure. The second, when present, is for extra occupants and luggage — estates, people-carriers and vans use it more than a two-seat sports car. Match the row to how the vehicle is actually loaded that day.

Wheel size options (16-inch versus 18-inch) can have different lines. Tesla and some German cars also put the value on-screen. After a wheel swap, use the line that matches the fitted diameter.

If the paint shop buried the sticker, the owner’s handbook is next. A website catalogue band is a planning range, not a substitute VIN label.

Photograph the placard and keep it on your phone. It is faster than arguing with a compressor that only thinks in PSI.