Tire pressure upgrade results

What is the reference to "bead pressure"? I have seen this terminology used before and am wondering if there is some lower limit that tires are supposed to be initially filled to in order to properly seat the bead (44 is the typical maximum inflation rating). I'm asking because I'm wondering if the tire shop is going to be resistant to set mine at 44 PSI and if there is any validity to that?

 

Bead pressure is the pressure necessary to seat the tire on the rim, also called sidewall pressure.( This is really a idealistic value as most tire changers MUST exceed that to get the tire to seat) For decades I always set pressure at something above vehicle recommendations, that pressure is only to give a soft ride. It makes Caddilacs and Buicks feel comfortable. The last 20 years I'v been setting to bead pressure, as recommended by a tire maintenance person. Most people are shocked to hear of bead pressure! Now I find out that even that pressure may be too low. ie: for mileage, wear and temperatures. NOW, I'm reevaluating and wondering if WE as consumers haven"t been getting a total line of BS. PS Manyshops are resistant to setting any pressure, except what "they"think is correct, however they will set it where you want. So, ignore thier nonsense. This whole subject could use a lot more objectivity.

 

Has any auto mag or anyone ever actually tested the impacts on stopping distances and cornerning G forces when running these higher pressures ?

Or does everyone doing this pretty much agree that higher pressures have negligible impact on safety at the limits ?

I have the maximum 50 PSI in my Touring and while trying to save fuel/momentum ( ), I was taking a sweeping turn at 55 KMH and nicked the curb with my front right tire today. (1st such nick.)

 

Since Priuschat readers are very intelligent and research the many ways to save gas, I also want to share these links, related to tire maintenance.


http://www.zerowaste.ca.gov/Events/TireSafetyWk/FAQs.pdf

201 Tips To Save Gas

Over-Inflating the Tires - GasSavers.org - Helping You Save at the Pump

Will slightly over inflating your tires increase gas mileage? - Yahoo! Answers

WikiAnswers - If a tire is overinflated - does it wear off in the middle or on the sides

Tire Inflation

The Importance Of Having The Correct Tire Pressure For Better Fuel Efficiency And Optimal Handling Article - Automotive Articles

Everyone is free to interpret these writings however they wish. Of course, no one should feel compelled to do something, just because they read it somewhere. You only need to be accountable for your own actions.

Now if someone also want to tell me that a $1 pencil tire pressure gauge is more reliable, more accurate than a $30 round dial tire pressure gauge, I'll gladly read those claims.

 

You didn't answer my question.

 

Sure, My OEM's were at 44, the replacements at 40 (bead pressures) am now experimenting in gradual steps to 45...50....am now at 55lbs. Better mileage and easier rolling and turning. One warning: Years ago I had a VW Bus converted camper. I tried higher pressures and it became totally unstable. So, do everything in small steps. I'm still building up confidence to go to 70lbs. From others it seems that 70lbs equals 70 MPG, I don't know. I'll probably get some severe retorts on that statement.ound:

 

Something to really consider.

 

That is the escape clause F8L. Saturate the subject, consumer, voter, etc with long believed BS, and that alone is sufficient to prove what they are saying. My question, and yours is: Is this all BS and should we write a different book? What might be the reason for this higher inflation causing super mileage and what IS the danger factor. or IS there a danger factor. Most of the tires out there are steel belted radials, it used to be just radials, made by Michelin. I have owned many. Underinflation was a real heat problem. And by underinflation I mean recommended tire pressure by the Auto company So what are the real facts? Are the new tires vastly improved, to accept much higher pressures and to show even wear. ENOUGH OF THIS SUBJECTIVE INFORMATION

 

Raider you have done a nice job including these links. Your beginning sentence tells it all "Everyone is free to interpret" That is exactly the problem. There is a right and there is a wrong, not totally black and white. but 80- 90% right IS acceptable. Real personal experience will always prove out. And that is exactly what F8L is providing. I say 90% of this information is garbage, I have read it many times before. The writers simply coalate previous literature and then write a new phamplet based on the same misinformation. The tire makers and the Auto manufacturers should be providing good cohesive information based on real life driving to include proper updates on tire technology. Instead I'm hearing the same advice from 40 years ago. Incidently I own several of both types of pressure guages, I check one against the other. As in calibration techniques.

 

F8L What is that? An electron tube?

 

You're killin' me here Andy. I can't figure out what you are refering to. I think the 100deg heat is getting to me. lol

 

My error. My membership name is Andyprius, yours is F8L, what does F8L stand for, mean? Looks like an electron tube designation to me......

 

Ahh I gotcha lol

F8L = Fatal

It has been my "call sign" or nickname since I started racing a supercharged Mustang back in '94. On other car forums and street racing situations we generally just call each other by forum names or license plate names if we don't know their real ones. When new people meet you and you are introduced as XXX then it kinda sticks. My plate on the Mustang was F8LPONY. It stuck and was moved on to F8L TA (11sec Trans Am), F8L Z71 (12sec 4x4 truck) etc. So in essence, it is a lame racing name that has stuck with me.

 

Thanks for the clarification, now it will stick, ( in my head )