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Optimum tire pressure for long drive with lots of temp/altitude changes?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by rufaro, Jun 20, 2006.

  1. rufaro

    rufaro WeePoo, Gen II

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    Before I hit the road in a coupla weeks to drive 400 miles from SF Bay Area to LA can somebody/everybody(!) give me an idea of the best tire pressures for me? The trip goes from a min of pretty close to sea level up to about 4200 feet, with temps from close to coastal (50s/60s) to Central Valley (90s & even 100s). I have the basic tires that came with the car and they only have less than 400 miles on 'em now. I have seen that a lot of people recommend 42/40 in general (even though the recommended pressure is around 34-36). But, I also did see that for high temps, something lower might be safer. Whaddy'all say?
     
    #1 rufaro, Jun 20, 2006
  2. wb9tyj

    wb9tyj 2017 Prius Prime Advanced

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Jun 20 2006, 03:33 AM) [snapback]273973[/snapback]</div>

    we ran from ft wayne to las vegas to death valley to sfo to lax back to okc to back home last summer...temp range from 50s to 126 and -256 to 10000ft...we had tires at 42 fron 40 back...no problem...still run 42/40 and have 45000miles on them and running fine...
     
    #2 wb9tyj, Jun 20, 2006
  3. rufaro

    rufaro WeePoo, Gen II

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wb9tyj @ Jun 20 2006, 01:04 AM) [snapback]273981[/snapback]</div>
    Sounds good--now I just have to remember to hit a gas station with an air pressure pump when the tires are cold! Thanks!
     
    #3 rufaro, Jun 20, 2006
  4. Tadashi

    Tadashi Member

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    I live in the high altitude (El Paso) and had mine set for 44psi By the time I got to Virginia it was 30 psi. So now every time I stop for gas I check it. I have a nice digital gauge which does not let a lot of air escape during the process.

    I think the general rule is 1psi per 10 deg.
     
    #4 Tadashi, Jun 20, 2006
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