Tire store inflated the Bridgestone Potenza RE950s (thanks to everyone who recommended them!) to 36 psi. My 2000 TL manual says 32 psi. What's "right"??? Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

go with the tire manufacture's recommended pressure

 

Appreciate the help...

 

No, you always go with the car's recommended tire pressure. Think about it, there are hundreds of cars that those tires would fit on. How would they know what the pressure is until you tell them what car it's gonna run on.

I say set the pressure to 32, drive around and see how it feels.

 

the car's recommended tire pressure is for stock tires, no? if you go with anything other than the stock size, the car's tire pressure recommendation is meaningless.

 

how do you figure?

 

Ok, maybe I am missing something here. The stock 215/50/17 Michelin on the 17x6.5" wheel is what the engineers tuned the car for originally. They recommend a 32 psi for the stock car/tire wheel combination to provide their balance of handling and comfort. Now, I come along and swap out the stock wheel/tire combination for a 235/40/18 high performance tire on a 18x8" wheel. Why in the world would I follow the car manufacture's pressure recommendation when they don't have the faintest idea of the tire/whell I am running now? I have more confidence in Yokohoma's pressure guidlines, since they manufactured the tire, than I do Honda who recommendatins were based on a COMPLETELY different set up.

Now I guess the question is this: Is tm86it just replacing the stock tire or is it something different? Even if this is the case, I'd be a little skeptical but starting with 32 would be smart. Also tm86it, remember to check the psi cold. Sorry if I confused you.

 

It depends on your driving style......If it's mostly highway, put in 31-32. If it's mostly city try about 33-34, and yes 1-2 psi makes a difference. The tire pressure can be answered by your tire technician (given they're smart). I ran 35psi in the stock 16" Michelins and 34psi in my 19s. Why, because that's what felt good....No comments!

Charles

 

Guess I neglected to provide enough info to start with, but I believe that I've got the answer I was looking for in any event:

My car is 2000 3.2TL, not TL-S, stock sized rims, 16". I upsized the tires (over the crappy MXV-4+) to 225/55, but kept same 16" rims. Tire installer said to use 36 psi, which is what Bridgestone allegedly recommends (I did not verify). Acura manual says 32 psi, but that's obviously for a 205/60 tire. Bottom line I suppose is I've been driving on them for 3 days now and they feel great with 36psi. I'm able to "take" onramps at 45-50 that would previously feel on the edge and get squealing at 30 mph, so I'm definitely happy.

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions and input!

 

Tire MANUFACTURER, yes. Tire STORE, not necessarily. I see nothing on Bridgestone's site concerning the RE950 that suggests a particular pressure.

I use RE950s at Acura's recommended 32 psi. The potential problem with running them at 36 psi is wearing out the center tread due to overinflation. And if you don't mind the harder ride, then go for it.

rw

 

Did you upsize, or have same stock tire size?

 

I've used a percentage of maximum as a guide for a particular car. If the stock original tire states a maximum pressure 35psi but the manufacturer recommends 28psi for that tire on that car, your're running 80% of max. Change to a new tire that has a max of 40psi, I would use 32psi (40psi X 80%)

This is a rough gauge.

Other factors to consider are the load ratings of the various tires. Increase the load rating on the tire and you need to run less pressure.

Driving style is also another compensating factor.

 

Do not forget adjustment for lower T.
Pressure should be higher, I am keeping 36psi on RE950 225/55-16.