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Tyre pressure: the cheapest performance upgrade

Correct PSI for Kenyan conditions, why the door placard beats the sidewall number, and how load changes everything.

Written by the Jasyle workshop team Nairobi, KenyaUpdated 2026

The number on the sidewall is not your pressure

The pressure moulded into the sidewall is the maximum the tyre can hold, not what your car needs. Your number is on the placard inside the driver's door frame or in the manual.

Most Kenyan saloons run between 30 and 35 PSI cold. SUVs and vans are usually higher, and loaded commercial vehicles higher still.

Check cold, and check the spare

Pressure rises as tyres heat up, so measuring after a drive gives a false high reading. Check first thing in the morning, or at least three hours after driving.

The spare is the tyre everyone forgets and the one you need at the worst possible moment. Check it monthly.

What under-inflation actually costs you

Ten percent under-inflated costs roughly one percent in fuel, wears the shoulders out early, and raises running temperature to the point where highway blowouts become a real risk.

For a fleet, that is a measurable line item. For a family car, it is the difference between getting 50,000km and 35,000km out of a set.

If any of this raises a question about your own car, bring it in. The tyre safety check is free and takes ten minutes, and we will give you a written summary whether or not you buy anything.
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Tread depth at three points, DOT dates on all five tyres, pressures set and wear patterns explained. Ten minutes, no charge.

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FAQ

Quick answers

What tyre pressure should I run in Kenya?

Use the placard inside your driver's door. Most saloons are 30–35 PSI cold; SUVs and vans are higher.

Should I increase pressure when carrying a load?

Yes. Most manufacturers specify a higher loaded pressure on the same placard. Ask us and we will set it.

How often should I check tyre pressure?

Every two weeks, cold, including the spare. It is free at our shop.

Talk to a fitter, not a call centre

Got a tyre question?

WhatsApp the workshop directly. You will get a straight answer from someone who fits tyres all day.

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