MG · Metro · Front
MG Metro front tyres: 32-35 psi / 2.2-2.4 bar
- Drivetrain
- front-wheel drive
- Body
- passenger car
- PSI F / R
- 32-35 / 32-35
- Bar F / R
- 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4
psi front
34
2.31 bar · 231 kPa at the steering axle
32-35 psi F · 32-35 psi R · 2.2-2.4 / 2.2-2.4 bar · 231/231 kPa
The front axle of a MG Metro steers and, on front-wheel drive cars, often pulls as well. Catalogue front pressure is 32-35 psi / 2.2-2.4 bar. Size estimates on this page include 205/60R16, 225/40R18 and 225/45R17 — interpolated from the catalogue midpoint, not a second factory sticker.
MG Metro placard versus sidewall
If the MG sticker is painted over, the handbook is next. This website is a map, not a replacement VIN label.
Estimated pressure by tyre size (205/60R16 and others)
205/60R16 is the first planning size here. 225/45R17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/60R16 | 34 | — | 2.34 | — | 234 | — | Taller 16-inch |
| 225/40R18 | 36 | — | 2.48 | — | 248 | — | Low-profile 18-inch |
| 225/45R17 | 35 | — | 2.41 | — | 241 | — | Sport 17-inch |
| 195/65R15 | 34 | — | 2.34 | — | 234 | — | Very common compact |
| 215/55R16 | 34 | — | 2.34 | — | 234 | — | Slightly wider 16-inch |
| 225/50R17 | 35 | — | 2.41 | — | 241 | — | Touring 17-inch |
| 185/65R15 | 33 | — | 2.28 | — | 228 | — | Small / older car |
| 215/50R17 | 35 | — | 2.41 | — | 241 | — | Plus-size 17-inch |
Pressure against load
Load moves the rear of a passenger car 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 | 34 psi / 2.34 bar | 35 psi / 2.41 bar |
| Motorway + luggage | 35 psi / 2.41 bar | 38 psi / 2.62 bar |
Steering feel on the Metro lives on this axle. Do not drop front pressure to “soften” a plus-size 225/45R17; you will roll the sidewall in a roundabout.
How to set the Metro
- Park the MG Metro for at least three hours (cold tyres).
- Use a calibrated gauge, not the only meter on a forecourt hose.
- Set the placard for that axle — about 32-35 psi / 2.2-2.4 bar front and 32-35 psi / 2.2-2.4 bar rear on this catalogue row.
- Recheck all four. A 2 psi miss on a front-wheel drive Metro is enough to feel a pull.
- Refit valve caps and reset TPMS if the handbook asks for a relearn.
PSI, bar and kPa
PSI-led conversions for the MG Metro band (32-35 / 32-35).
| PSI | Bar | kPa |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 2.07 | 207 |
| 32 | 2.21 | 221 |
| 33 | 2.28 | 228 |
| 33.5 | 2.31 | 231 |
| 35 | 2.41 | 241 |
| 36 | 2.48 | 248 |
| 38 | 2.62 | 262 |
| 40 | 2.76 | 276 |
| 44 | 3.03 | 303 |
| 50 | 3.45 | 345 |
| 60 | 4.14 | 414 |
Temperature drift
Roughly 1 psi per 5–6 °C. The table uses 34 psi as a 20 °C baseline for this Metro.
| 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 |
MG notes
No special MG exception: the Metro uses the door-pillar placard. Size estimates on this page only help if you have left the original load index behind.
Spare and inflator kit
A matching full-size spare on the MG Metro 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 MG sticker and this page disagree, the sticker wins.
Other MG models
Questions about this Metro
Front versus rear on the MG Metro?
This row is 32-35 F / 32-35 R. Even when they match, a laden rear can justify a higher number if the sticker prints one.
What tyre pressure should a MG Metro 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.
What PSI if I plus-size toward 225/45R17?
Keep load index at or above OEM. Low-profile sizes usually stay at or slightly above the placard. Use 205/60R16, 225/40R18 and 225/45R17 as a planning band.
Is the sidewall number correct on a MG Metro?
No. Sidewall PSI is a maximum. The Metro 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.
Handbook: placard · bar vs PSI · front vs rear · cold inflation