Running this blog gives me plenty of opportunities to drive many Porsches, and lately, I’ve almost always been able to guess the tire pressure correctly.

While I can’t pinpoint it down to 0.1 bar, if the pressure is just a bit high or low, I can tell after driving just a few dozen meters.

Recently, I’ve driven models like the 992, Carrera S, Macan Turbo, and 992 Turbo S, and have given advice on tire pressure. In all cases, the pressures were slightly above the standard settings, so I explained that “setting it to Comfort Pressure will improve ride comfort even more.” However, most owners seem unaware of the correct Porsche tire pressure settings and how to adjust them.

I’ve written about tire pressure and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) several times before, but I’d like to summarize the correct way to set tire pressures on Porsches equipped with TPMS.

How to Properly Adjust Porsche Tire Pressure

Since the 997 generation, Porsche has offered TPMS as an optional tire pressure sensor and management system. With the 981 and 991 generations, it became standard on some trims, and by the 718 and 992 generations, it’s standard on all models.

TPMS sensors are installed on the wheel valve stems and send real-time tire pressure information to the vehicle. This system is now widely adopted, especially in imported cars.

Normally, when adjusting tire pressure, you look at the air pump gauge and inflate or deflate to a target value, like 2.5 bar.

However, with Porsche, you should never adjust tire pressure by looking at the air pump gauge alone.

You need to adjust based on the tire pressure “deviation” information displayed on the vehicle’s screen. Specifically, you add or release air in increments like 0.1 bar based on the difference shown.

This is the 992’s tire pressure deviation display screen

The 992’s tire pressure deviation screen as seen on the main monitor.

The reason is that tire pressure varies significantly with tire temperature, so Porsche doesn’t specify an absolute value like 2.5 bar.

Therefore, when adjusting Porsche tire pressure at a gas station, you must watch the deviation screen and give instructions like “add 0.1 bar” or “release 0.2 bar.”

You might think, “Such fine values don’t really matter,” but Porsche’s suspension is so high-performance that it can detect even subtle differences, so I recommend adjusting as precisely as possible.

Porsche Has Two Types of Specified Tire Pressure Settings

Now, here’s the main point of this article.

Porsche tire pressures have two main preset values: “Standard Pressure” and “Comfort Pressure.”
These can be set via the vehicle’s management screen. Many people don’t know this, which is why I’m writing this article.

For example, on 981, 718, and 991 generations, you can set this on the following screen.

Screen from a 991. Similar for 981 and 718 models.

On the 992 generation, the setting screen looks like this.

992 screen (varies slightly by model year). Access via ‘Vehicle’ screen, then the ‘…’ button at bottom right (or opposite side depending on steering wheel), then ‘Vehicle Settings’ → ‘Tire Pressure Monitoring.’

This screen is used on current Cayenne and Panamera models.

By the way, there are also settings for tire size and summer/winter tires, so if you change the wheel size from stock or switch to winter tires, be sure to review these settings.

When changing tires, you need to update to the correct settings.

There’s also a checkbox for “Full Load” or “Fully Occupied,” which you check when carrying full passengers and cargo, adjusting tire pressure accordingly for the extra weight.

Just from this, you can see how much Porsche emphasizes tires and their pressure.
For Porsche, tire pressure directly affects performance.

Choose ‘Comfort Pressure’ for Better Ride Comfort

If you prioritize ride comfort, I definitely recommend “Comfort Pressure.” This is especially true if you mostly drive in the city or use your Porsche as a date car.

The difference between Standard and Comfort is about 0.3 to 0.4 bar depending on tire size, which is noticeable in how the car feels.

If you have 20/21-inch wheels on a 992 generation, I strongly recommend Comfort Pressure. The difference seems more pronounced than on 981, 991, or 718 generations. This reflects the more advanced and sensitive suspension on the 992.

Standard Pressure offers a livelier feel but tends to increase harshness and road noise. However, fuel economy is better with Standard Pressure.

Recently, my brother bought a 992 Carrera S, and when I test drove it, I immediately pointed out the tire pressure. We stopped the car right there, switched to Comfort setting, and adjusted the pressure down to the proper level while watching the deviation screen.

As soon as he started driving, he said, “Wow, this is amazing! The ride is so smooth and quiet!” He was thrilled and asked, “Why didn’t the dealer tell me this?”

After he got home, he even sent me messages like the one below. That’s how much the ride changes between Standard and Comfort.

Releasing Air Is Easy—Anyone Can Do It

Adding air requires an air pump, so you’ll need to borrow one at a gas station or similar, but releasing air is simple.

My brother initially said, “Maybe I should have someone do it for me,” but anyone can do it.
Just remove the valve cap and press the valve core with a fingernail or the valve cap head to release air. If you’ve ever adjusted bicycle tires, it’s the same level of ease, so give it a try.

Remove the valve cap and press the valve core with a fingernail or cap head to release air.

However, keep these points in mind:

• Don’t release too much air at once.
• Always monitor the vehicle’s tire pressure deviation screen. Release a little, check, release a little more, and check again.

If you’re thinking, “I wish my Porsche’s ride comfort was better,” this is an easy method anyone can try on a weekend.