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Autopapyrus · Toyota Alphard (H20, 2nd generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/toyota/alphard/checking-tire-pressure-and-condition/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Toyota Alphard (H20, 2nd generation): Checking Tire Pressure and Condition

Check pressure only on cold tires, meaning after the vehicle has been parked at least 2-3 hours or driven no more than 1-2 km. The reference value for an Alphard of this class is about 230-250 kPa (2.3-2.5 bar, 33-36 psi), but the exact figures for your tire size and load are printed on the placard on the driver's door pillar and in the owner's manual.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 15-20 minutes Steps: 14 Tools: Reliable tire pressure gauge (preferably a dial gauge or a quality digital one), compressor or pump, caliper or tread depth gauge, flashlight, gloves, chalk or marker, valve core tool and valve caps if needed

Part

  • 🔩 No consumables are needed. If a tire fails the inspection, you will need a tire of the same size as the one on the vehicle. For the H20 this is usually 215/65R16, 215/60R17 or 235/50R18, and on V6 versions more often 235/50R18. The price of a set depends on the brand

Step by step

14 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on level ground and let the tires cool down. Do not release pressure from hot tires: after driving, pressure is 20-40 kPa higher, and the cold pressure would end up too low.
  2. Find the placard on the driver's door pillar and compare the tire size on the vehicle (marked on the sidewall, for example 235/50R18) with the table on it. Use the value for your size. For a full load (7-8 passengers and luggage), the pressure in the table is usually higher.
  3. Unscrew the valve cap and press the gauge on firmly so there is no hissing. Write down the pressure of each wheel. The difference between the right and left sides of the same axle should not be more than 10-15 kPa.
  4. Bring the pressure to the specified value. If needed, add or release air in small amounts and re-measure. Do not overinflate beyond the placard value: it reduces the contact patch and worsens braking on wet roads.
  5. Check the spare wheel, if there is one. It usually requires higher pressure than the main tires (often 420 kPa for a temporary spare; for a full-size spare, follow the placard). Check the placard or the markings on the wheel itself.
  6. Inspect the tread across its full width and around the full circumference. Wear should be even. If the inner or outer edge is worn more, this indicates incorrect camber or toe alignment. If the center is worn, the pressure was too high. If both edges are worn, the pressure was too low.
  7. Measure the tread depth in several places (center, edges). The minimum legally permitted remaining tread depth for passenger car summer tires is 1.6 mm. For safe driving on wet roads, it is recommended to replace tires at 3-4 mm, and winter tires at 4 mm.
  8. Inspect the sidewalls and shoulder areas with a flashlight. Cuts, bulges, age cracks, separation and exposed cord are dangerous. A tire with a bulge or damaged cord must not be used.
  9. Check for foreign objects in the tread: nails, screws, stones between the tread blocks. If an object is sticking out, do not pull it out on the road. Inflate the tire and drive to a tire shop.
  10. Check the manufacture date. It is the four digits after "DOT" on the sidewall: the first two are the week, the last two are the year. Tires older than 6-8 years should be replaced even with good tread because of rubber aging.
  11. Check the valve caps and the valves themselves. The caps must be in place, and the valve must not leak air. To check, apply soapy water to the valve; bubbles indicate a leak.
  12. Check the wheels for dents and cracks, and check the wheel nut tightness. For this model, the wheel nut torque is usually in the range of 100-120 N·m (74-89 lb-ft); confirm the exact value in the manufacturer's specifications. Tighten with a torque wrench in a crisscross pattern.
  13. If the vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the indicator is on, check the pressure in all wheels. After correction, the light may go out after a short drive. If it does not go out, there may be a sensor fault or a reset procedure may be needed.
  14. For even wear, rotate the wheels every 8-10 thousand km, taking into account the tread direction and pattern (for front-wheel drive, usually front-to-rear). After rotating, recheck the pressure.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Tires directly affect safety: the Alphard is a heavy minivan (about 2 tons), and seriously low pressure under load and at speed leads to overheating and tire failure. If you find bulges, deep cuts, cord separation, or the tire has lost pressure for no visible reason, do not continue driving. Install the spare wheel or contact a tire shop. If you have no experience working with wheels, do not try to repair sidewall damage yourself.