Tire PRESSURE

[WWJD08]

I've Read all the posts and put my tires at 44/42 My milage dropped, the road noise is more noticeable, plus the bumpier ride.
So whats next
I was going to try backing off 2 psi at a time.

[bac]

Originally Posted by WWJD08

I've Read all the posts and put my tires at 44/42 My milage dropped, the road noise is more noticeable, plus the bumpier ride.
So whats next
I was going to try backing off 2 psi at a time.

That's a good call, and that's what I did also. I'm now at 38/36, and pretty happy. I may go down 1 more psi just to see if I notice the difference.

... Brad

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by WWJD08

My milage dropped

That is almost certainly not related to tire pressure. Softer for a better ride is a tradeoff for efficiency.

Those hypermilers who recommend PSI beyond the maximum have proven the improvement. And our data shows at the maximum offers a benefit, just not as much.

I suggest collecting more data. It takes a few tanks before you truly get a feel for MPG, due to the many other influencing factors at play.

.

[a64pilot]

The higher the tire pressure, the lower the rolling resistance. Like everything, there is a point of diminishing returns, but the resistance should not increase. Maybe your fuel blend changed?

[WWJD08]

46.9 mpg . 2,016 mileage
44/42tire pressure= noisy and bumpy ride
lowered tire pressure to 42/40

[Sheepdog]

42/40 is what I have used for a while now. usually sitting around 50mpg at lowest end and around 53-55 avg high end. I drive 90% highway at 60-65mph.

[krmcg]

I worked in a tire store as a youth and learned to always run my tires at their maximum pressure for tire wear purposes. I suppose that I have gotten used to the harsher ride associated with "hard" tires. My touring model allows 51 PSI - and I take it up to the max. I am averaging 56 MPG and think that the tire pressure helps me to some degree. Plus the tire wear advantage.

[TonyPSchaefer]

I am not gong to tell you to over-inflate your tires. In fact, I was bashed in the Chicago Sun Times for making such suggestions. So what you do with your car, your money, and your property is entirely up to you. That should satisfy my lawyer.

If you click the "Current Mileage" link in my signature you'll see my lifetime chart. I originally over-inflated my tired in August of '06. You will notice a very discernible departure between the temp/mileage lines at that time. In fact, that one point in time is the only time I have ever seen two consecutive tanks go opposite the temperature. Even as the temperature went down, my mileage went up.

It is my experience that over-inflating my tires has improved my mileage.

[[H]ackerK]

On somewhat related topic. My original tires were under inflated when delivery (33/32) Now I have 38/36, not sure if there any improvements on MPG yet. But I do notice the control of the car is slightly different (esp on rainy day!)

It could be the lower rolling resistance, I found Prius handling is not as good as the cars I have driven before. Not sure how to describe, but it seems more sensitive or maybe I should say it is less wanted to stay on the road.

I am just a bit worry during winter... Not sure how's the handling is like...

[JimN]

Originally Posted by [H]ackerK

On somewhat related topic. My original tires were under inflated when delivery (33/32) Now I have 38/36, not sure if there any improvements on MPG yet. But I do notice the control of the car is slightly different (esp on rainy day!)

It could be the lower rolling resistance, I found Prius handling is not as good as the cars I have driven before. Not sure how to describe, but it seems more sensitive or maybe I should say it is less wanted to stay on the road.

I am just a bit worry during winter... Not sure how's the handling is like...

If you aren't happy with the car's performance then lower the tp. I'm not going above 45 on the Integrities because I'm not fond of the handling.