Damsel in distress - tyre pressures

[AMLK]

Can anyone tell me what tyre pressure I should set on my 1.4 corolla with 195/60R15 alloys? The manual indicates anything from 32-42 depending on engine number (which I don't know). Checking them just now they are reading only 18-20, so that makes 32 seem very high. I have just pumped them up to 30 at the mo (it is VERY cold outside, probably about -2c). Can anyone let me know if I have done the right thing - thanks.

[cptsideways]

25 or less is very dangerous!! the tyres can overheat & self destruct especially if the manual says 32-40 etc. Set them at least at the suggested minimum, if the car is used loaded, go for the higher numbers.

There should be a sticker either inside the fuel cap or the a door shut that tells you what they should be at for your exact car.

[CatherineJ]

Jen, do you have a label anywhere near the drivers door, with a picture perhaps of the car and some pressures?

Normally there is one set of pressures for the front and back when the car is carrying minimum weight. Then there will be the same for when the car is fully loaded or for motorway use.

As has already been suggested, if the handbook says minimum of 32, then go and pump them up to that and when the tyres are cold.

[AMLK]

Thanks. I expected there to be some indication on the door jam too (my civic does), but alas no - didn't think to check the fuel filler cap, will do so in the morning, and also make sure they all read at least 32psi. I rarely drive it loaded, usually just me and sometimes my daughter. Thanks for the advice.

[Red Devil]

Google is your friend.
http://www.thetyrepressuremonitor.com/tyrepressure...
32 (first column) standard
38 (second column) loaded/speed

[ymwoods]

I am assuming for some reason this is wrong since I would have thought it would the the first thing to suggest??

Ussually on the side of the tyre is small writing, at some point around the tyre (you will have to bend down to see it, very small) it will have an absolute maximum and a typical use figure in both PSI and BAR printed on the sidewall...