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Rookie Mistake? Tire PSI

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Lanna, Mar 1, 2013.

  1. Lanna

    Lanna New Member

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    Hey guys--first time poster here.

    I own a 2002 Prius, and I've been avoiding the task of inflating its tires for the last two years (largely because I'm not savvy with car maintenance). So, today I made the rookie mistake of deciding to inflate my tires without first looking up the appropriate tire pressure, etc--I figured the recommended tire pressure would be written on the wheel. I couldn't find the recommended PSI, or at least figure out which numbers corresponded to the tire pressure, nor, how it translated to the pressure bars on the air pump. That said, I inflated all my tires to slightly above 6 bars. Having now looked online, it appears the tires should have been inflated to 3 bars (winter weather conditions here in Ontario).

    My problem is, I have to work for a couple hours today. Can my tires survive being pumped beyond its recommended level for a couple hours, so long as I don't drive on it for more than a mile later to get the air pressure readjusted? I have an hour commute home, so I'm worried that my safety might be compromised by the tires being overinflated for a couple hours.

    Also, I noticed a chunk out of one of my tires--I hope this isn't additionally problematic.

    Thanks for any advice out there!

    L
     
    #1 Lanna, Mar 1, 2013
  2. cablesm

    cablesm New Member

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    That is a lot of pressure, and though I'm not an expert, I think it's very possible it could be dangerous. If you have a tire gauge, it's very easy to let out the pressure until you're at the correct pressure. Just put the gauge on the tire enough to hear a hissing sound (but not enough to fully attach), wait a bit, push it on fully to check the pressure, let out more, until you're at the right pressure.
     
    #2 cablesm, Mar 1, 2013
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    1) Once you lower the air pressure, all is fine.

    2) Any tire with chunks missing is suspect, try to have a tire professional look at it.
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Mar 1, 2013
  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Please let some air out for your safety. Let it down to at least 4 bars.
     
    #4 usnavystgc, Mar 1, 2013
  5. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    If you didn't do so before, you should fill the compact spare tire up to its appropriate pressure.
    I believe it has its proper pressure molded into the tire sidewall--if not, look on the sticker that has the other tire pressures.
     
    #5 css28, Mar 1, 2013
  6. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    6 bar is 87 psi. On the sidewall look for a load limit "load limit xxx pounds (yyy kg) at nn psi" or max. sidewall pressure. The Bridgestone Portenza RE92 is rated for 1102 pounds at 50psi.
     
    #6 JimN, Mar 1, 2013
  7. joerockt

    joerockt Junior Member

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    Tire pressure sticker is right inside the drivers door sill. Gotta read that manual.
     
    #7 joerockt, Mar 18, 2013
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow, 87 psi, no reply since 3/1, i hope lanna is okay.:(
     
    #8 bisco, Mar 18, 2013
  9. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Did you see her avatar? She fell down!
     
    #9 Former Member 68813, Mar 25, 2013
    Daddyjeph likes this.
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