Tire Pressure Poll - Where is Yours?

[ETP]

Originally Posted by F8L

I only ask because I run over 50psi in my 215/45/17s (when I swap out my 15s). Yes they are hard but I guess I'm used to stiff tires on sports cars so it's not such a big deal. For some the extra ground feel is just to much. I can understand that.

So you think 50 will not be a harder ride than 44? If so I will give it a try.

[F8L]

Originally Posted by ETP

So you think 50 will not be a harder ride than 44? If so I will give it a try.

Ohh no no, I would almost guarantee it will be a harder ride. I just meant that comfort level varies for everyone. I have a high tolerance for comprimised comfort after running race cars for so long so I don't mind overinflated tires.

If 44 is already bumpy for you then 50 will just make it more so.

I originally thought there was some reason other than comfort why you couldn't inflate your tires any higher. That's all.

[ETP]

Originally Posted by F8L

Ohh no no, I would almost guarantee it will be a harder ride. I just meant that comfort level varies for everyone. I have a high tolerance for comprimised comfort after running race cars for so long so I don't mind overinflated tires.

If 44 is already bumpy for you then 50 will just make it more so.

I originally thought there was some reason other than comfort why you couldn't inflate your tires any higher. That's all.

I ran my 2003 and 2004 Civic Hybrid at 51 PSI and they did not ride rough at all. But this touring suspension with high pressures is rougher than a Corvette. I may try it when the wife goes to see her father.

[ggood]

Originally Posted by F8L

I only ask because I run over 50psi in my 215/45/17s (when I swap out my 15s). Yes they are hard but I guess I'm used to stiff tires on sports cars so it's not such a big deal. For some the extra ground feel is just to much. I can understand that.

You guys are tough, and I presume young! I'm not even sure I wanna go over 39. Isn't there some point of diminishing returns at which the number of pebbles you can feel on the road is no longer useful?

[F8L]

Originally Posted by ggood

You guys are tough, and I presume young! I'm not even sure I wanna go over 39. Isn't there some point of diminishing returns at which the number of pebbles you can feel on the road is no longer useful?

I'm 34.

I am willing to bet there is a point of diminishing returns, there seems to be with nearly everything but I am not sure we have figured out where that point is yet. I think it may be somwhere near the 55-60psi mark with some tires but I have not done any scientific testing to know. Maybe Bob has some cool graphs for us?

I know I like the handling and the ease of gliding with the higher pressures so I tend to stay over 50psi. In the grand scheme of things though, you should keep the tires set where you are comfortable. Addnig 1-2mpg more but sacrificing your comfort and enjoyment of the car is not worth it IMO.

[MSantos]

Originally Posted by ggood

You guys are tough, and I presume young! I'm not even sure I wanna go over 39. Isn't there some point of diminishing returns at which the number of pebbles you can feel on the road is no longer useful?

LOL, not too young here

Anyway, would any of this help?





Bottom line here is quite simple. If you want your tires to wear better, operate cooler, safer and net you great FE then there's much benefit it taking the pressure up a few knots.


Cheers;

MSantos

[ETP]

Originally Posted by MSantos

LOL, not too young here

Anyway, would any of this help?





Bottom line here is quite simple. If you want your tires to wear better, operate cooler, safer and net you great FE then there's much benefit it taking the pressure up a few knots.


Cheers;

MSantos

Looks like the curves flaten out at 40PSI. I think I am good at 44 or 42 LOL.

[ronhowell]

Originally Posted by MSantos

LOL, not too young here

Anyway, would any of this help?





Bottom line here is quite simple. If you want your tires to wear better, operate cooler, safer and net you great FE then there's much benefit it taking the pressure up a few knots.


Cheers;

MSantos

Obviously, as the first chart clearly indicates, there is a law of diminishing returns with respect to rolling resistance as tire pressure increases. It would seem that anything beyond 45 - 50 psi gains you nothing but a rougher ride, with unknown (but probably unsafe) handling characteristics.

Re the poll, I'm with the majority on my 2008 Prius, running my tires at 42F/40R. I'm quite happy with that combo, as a compromise between MPG and ride comfort.

[josh2008]

Knowing the risks, I'm at 62/60 with perfect treadwear all the way across at all four corners as measured by my tread depth guage. Having come from driving a Pontiac Grand Prix with lowering springs (B&G) the ride at 62/60 is like a pillow.

[fuzzy1]

Mine arrived yesterday with 40/38. Not front-rear, but diagonally. Now fixed with something not exceeding max sidewall.