LT235/85R16 · LT-metric truck · Overview
LT235/85R16 tyre pressure
- Size
- LT235/85R16
- Class
- LT-metric truck
- Planning PSI
- 55
- Planning bar
- 3.79
LT235/85R16
55 psi / 3.79 bar
379 kPa · estimates for this size class
LT235/85R16 · 55 psi · 3.79 bar · 379 kPa — estimates. Placard wins.
LT235/85R16 is a LT-metric truck size (235 mm section, 85 % aspect, 16-inch rim). A planning cold figure around 55 psi / 3.79 bar / 379 kPa is a starting map, not a second factory sticker. Tall LT 16-inch. These rows are estimates interpolated for the size, not OEM for a named VIN. LT-metric sizes print a load range. The vehicle door sticker, not the LT sidewall maximum, is still the operating pressure.
What LT235/85R16 means
LT235/85R16 means a 235 millimetre section width, a sidewall that is 85 percent of that width, on a 16-inch rim. The R is radial construction.
Tall LT 16-inch. Rim diameter 16 in; section 235 mm. Estimates on this page assume a typical load index for the LT-metric truck class.
Estimated LT235/85R16 pressure by load
These LT235/85R16 load steps are ± a few PSI from 55. They are not a licence to ignore a printed second column on a van or estate.
| Condition | Front (est.) | Rear (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver only / unladen | 55 psi / 3.79 bar / 379 kPa | 58 psi / 4 bar / 400 kPa |
| Typical occupancy | 56 psi / 3.86 bar / 386 kPa | 60 psi / 4.14 bar / 414 kPa |
| Payload / towing (sketch) | 57 psi / 3.93 bar / 393 kPa | 67 psi / 4.62 bar / 462 kPa |
PSI, bar and kPa
Use the table, then set a cold gauge. 379 kPa is 100 × 3.79 bar on this size.
| PSI | Bar | kPa |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 3.03 | 303 |
| 46 | 3.17 | 317 |
| 50 | 3.45 | 345 |
| 51 | 3.52 | 352 |
| 52 | 3.59 | 359 |
| 53 | 3.65 | 365 |
| 54 | 3.72 | 372 |
| 55 | 3.79 | 379 |
| 56 | 3.86 | 386 |
| 57 | 3.93 | 393 |
| 58 | 4.00 | 400 |
| 59 | 4.07 | 407 |
| 60 | 4.14 | 414 |
| 61 | 4.21 | 421 |
| 62 | 4.27 | 427 |
| 63 | 4.34 | 434 |
| 64 | 4.41 | 441 |
| 65 | 4.48 | 448 |
| 66 | 4.55 | 455 |
| 67 | 4.62 | 462 |
| 80 | 5.52 | 552 |
Placard versus sidewall
If a forum says “all LT235/85R16 run 55 psi”, ignore it. A Qashqai and a Golf can share a size and not share a sticker.
Cars often seen on LT235/85R16
These catalogue models are often seen on LT235/85R16 or a close OEM neighbour. Open the vehicle chart for axle-specific PSI and bar.
How to set LT235/85R16
- Measure before the school run, not after the motorway.
- Write LF / RF / RR / RL. Do not keep LT235/85R16 numbers in your head.
- Add air in short bursts toward the placard, using 55 psi only as a map.
- If one LT235/85R16 is 4 psi down, hunt for a nail before you blame the weather.
- Log date, ambient temperature and the four readings.
Temperature drift
Roughly 1 psi per 5–6 °C. The table uses 55 psi as a 20 °C baseline for LT235/85R16.
| Ambient | Gauge | Bar | kPa | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| −5 °C (hard frost) | 52 psi | 3.59 bar | 359 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 0 °C | 53 psi | 3.65 bar | 365 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 8 °C (UK winter morning) | 54 psi | 3.72 bar | 372 kPa | Gauge reads low; do not overfill once warm |
| 20 °C (set cold here) | 55 psi | 3.79 bar | 379 kPa | Baseline for this size sketch |
| 30 °C | 57 psi | 3.93 bar | 393 kPa | Do not bleed a hot LT235/85R16 |
| 38 °C (heatwave tarmac) | 58 psi | 4 bar | 400 kPa | Do not bleed a hot LT235/85R16 |
A cheap gauge and a monthly habit will do more for a set of LT235/85R16 than nitrogen upsells.
Questions about LT235/85R16
What PSI should LT235/85R16 tyres be?
A LT-metric truck planning figure is about 55 psi cold (3.79 bar / 379 kPa). Confirm on the vehicle placard — two cars can share LT235/85R16 and not share a sticker.
What is LT235/85R16 in bar?
55 psi is 3.79 bar. Add a tenth of a bar if the placard’s laden column is higher, which is common on vans that wear this size.
Can I run LT235/85R16 at a lower pressure for comfort?
Not as a habit. A soft LT235/85R16 cooks the shoulders and dulls steering. Keep load index and stay on the placard.
When does TPMS warn on LT235/85R16?
Direct TPMS typically flags about 25% below target — near 41 psi if you were aiming at 55. Fill to the sticker, not to the lamp.
Is the sidewall number correct for LT235/85R16?
No. Sidewall PSI or kPa is a maximum for the carcass. Operating pressure is the door-pillar placard.
Handbook: placard · bar vs PSI · cold inflation · all sizes