M3rl3n

OK... the other day I took my car in to be aligned (post suspension work) and have its 75k mile checkup. EVERYTIME I take the car to the shop or to have its oil changed (sometimes I just don't have the time, or the tools to perform some work) the people who perform the "work" CHANGE MY TIRE PRESSURE.

I have Goodyear Assurance tires which recommend 45psi max. I am fine with that... low profile... performance.... it is what the tire manufacturer recommends, etc. BUT because the car manufacturer recommends 32 psi, these so called experts only trust that and don't take into account that I may know what I want. Although... now that I have my new suspension, I will admit that the ride is a little softer and quieter at 32 psi than at the 45psi pressure. I'm thinking about using something between 32 and 45. I have read about the weight of the car divided by 100 gives a good approximation to start with and then adjust

Any ideas? Recommendations?

JM604

Depends what you want... Is there a reason why you want to have your tires set at the max pressure?

The tire manufacturer doesn't know what car the tires are going on, and so can't show a recommended tire pressure on the tire itself - the maximum pressure shown on the tire shouldn't be confused with a recommended tire pressure (it is the MAXIMUM that the tire was designed for).

32psi is the recommended minimum cold pressure (meant for the original tires matching the specific car). And while it may be fine for the average driver to go over this say even to the high 30s - 40 psi, the more you over-inflate the tires, the greater the chance of some sort of pressure-related failure (should be fine up to the maximum).

I have the Goodyear Assurace tires as well (tripletred). Personally, I try to keep my pressure between at about 34-35 psi and never less than 32psi. Remember, these are all cold temps.

fsttyms1

45 is the MAX not something you fill them up to. Lower the PSI. You realize that when you drive it goes ABOVE 45? Lower your PSI. A great rule of thumb is 80% of max and adjust from there to your liking.

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

always fill your tires when they are cold. when the tires are warmed up u will get an improper reading and fill. 45 psi is the max when warm. i keep my tires filled at about 32-35psi MAX

JM604

hey rajca,
you say the maximum pressure listed on the tire refers to the warm / hot temperature. logically this makes sense (and i still believe it), but i've also read and heard numerous things saying that it is refers to the cold pressure (which could also make sense too). i'm curious where you found your information?

just a note too, that everything is designed with a factor of safety, so setting things at the "limits" of their designed use shouldn't cause any problems. with that being said, it is better to err on the side of caution and wouldn't encourage anyone to have their tires set even close to the max rating.

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

ive gone to these mini training classes for my past jobs as a mechanic and also learned it at school.

FoCKtheNaYSaYERs

Should tire pressure be increased for heavy loads? For example, a 3000 mile trip with 850lbs of cargo.

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

u can increase it by 5lbs or so, dont go over the limit.