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36 Psi?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by NJaloha, Jan 18, 2008.

  1. NJaloha

    NJaloha New Member

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    Ok, my wife's 08' base is 1 week old today. The tire pressure light came on yesterday. I checked with a gauge and her tires were running between 20 and 25 PSI.

    So we had to go to the dealership anyway to pick up some paperwork and they filled up her tires for her there, tire pressure light is now off.

    I was talking to a Prius tech and he said that you need to keep PSI at 36 YEAR ROUND.

    The owners manual says 33 in cold weather.

    What do you guys think/do with your tire pressure?
     
  2. patrickindallas

    patrickindallas Shire rat

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    44 front and 42 rear at all times...
     
  3. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I run 42 & 40 F & R but it never gets cold enough to snow here.
     
  4. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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  5. dulecki

    dulecki New Member

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    44F/42R here. Just had the dealer change the oil today... they helped me by setting 'em to 35/35. I'll have to remember to tell them not to do that in the future...
     
  6. Clubford00

    Clubford00 New Member

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    Ive run as high as 50/50 (not recomended, its a harsh ride) I normally run 40/40 all the time, unless im in snow then i drop it down to 35/35 I live in Chicago and put about 200 miles a day on my car. it seems to work for me.
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    According to the door jamb, it's 35/33.

    With the Integritys, I was running 38/36. (Max is 44PSI)

    With my Nokians, I'm running 40/38. (Max is 47PSI)
     
  8. Don-RI

    Don-RI Member

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    I follow the 42/40 practice year round (RI), and check the tire pressure once a month just to keep them tuned to the weather.
     
  9. BoHenriksson

    BoHenriksson New Member

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    44/42 on the original tires. Wear is even, handling normal, mpg great!
     
  10. MattFL

    MattFL Member

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    The sticker on my drivers door jam for my 2008 Prius says 35 front, 33 rear so that's where they stay. :)
     
  11. Rangerdavid

    Rangerdavid Senior Member

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    I've always run 42-40 in mine, especially the OEM integrities. Toyota indeed recommends a lower inflation to cushion the ride, and IMHO compensate somewhat for the shortcomings of the Integrity tires itself. A higher inflation is certainly safe, and even the 42 or 44 psi as referenced by others above is well within the mgf. inflation recommendations for the tire.

    Higher psi will increase your mpg. In my experience on Priuschat, it seems that most folks use 42 front, 40 rear. Certainly 35-33 if fine as well, it just depends on what you want to accomplish. :cool:
     
  12. paulccullen

    paulccullen New Member

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    Took my car in for a service recently. When it came back the tires were *still* at 42/40. What's puzzling me: Did the mechanic realize they were increased deliberately to improve FE so he left them where they were, or did he simply forget to check.

    Maybe I'll ask next time (Toyota of Kirkland, WA)
     
  13. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    I'll bet the dealer never rotated your tires...
     
  14. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    the first time i took my 04 to Toyota of Olympia, the changed tire pressure to 35/33. the 2nd time, i told them to not change the tire pressure, they have not touched it since.

    when i got my 06, the first oil change i mentioned it to the mechanic, and he said he was advised to check the tires for low or uneven pressure only
     
  15. PRIUS007

    PRIUS007 James Bond -007

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    Another 44F/42R

    Ride is great and so is mileage.
     
  16. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    My Prius is set to the recommended 35/33. Our roads around here are so rough I refuse to bounce around at higher pressures, too old for that nonsense.

    The exception is winter driving, I typically run my studded tires at 30/30. For some reason, they offer better snow traction at that inflation. Ice traction is also better too, but that is probably due to the studs
     
  17. blamy

    blamy Member

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    Another vote for 42/40 and I average a solid 51 to 52 mpg.
     
  18. Bear68

    Bear68 Member

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    As a tech, I usually recommend to ALL customers to find a comfortable median between the pressure listed on the sticker (min press) and the pressure listed on the tire (max press). I explain that more air = hard ride with better economy, less air=soft ride with less economy.

    And if I find tires set above the pressure listed on the sticker, I will keep them at that level. I generally do not lower pressures unless they are in excess of what the tire is rated for. I also make note of that on the repair order so the service advisor can give that info to the customer.

    And yes, if the RO says "rotate tires" I rotate the tires. Every time.
     
  19. Canuck

    Canuck Member

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    On our previous 2005 always kept tire pressures 44F and 42R and experienced improved MPG but slightly rougher ride. However, every time I took the vehicle in for service they were always adjusted to the 35/33 level and was told that for warranty purposes that was what they had to set them at.
    Just recently picked up the 2008 and was told the same thing. Only solution is to set them myself.
    Gary
     
  20. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    45/45. I don't check the tp often & didn't notice a difference when the tires softened due to the lower temps.