TBone2004

Guys,

What are you using for tire pressure in a 245/45/17 on stock rim?
Do I still go by the door or do I need to up it some?

Thanks

TBone2004

p.s. I am not intentionally putting in hyperlinks in my post - is this a setting or something or does it go by keywords? Weird. I did not put a link for tire pressure in my post - strange. Anyway.....

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Don't worry about it, it's a new forum feature. Most people don't like it, but whatever.


Anyway, to answer your question, it's really up to you. Tire pressure, as you can tell from its measurement unit PSI, is pounds per square inch. In other words, it doesn't matter if the volume inside the tire changes, because we're still measuring the pressure for every square inch.

So start with the factory recommendation, and work your way up or down to your liking. If you like a bit firmer, then kick it up a few pounds.

streese

The easiest way to determine tire pressure is to do the following:

1. Using a piece of chalk, draw lines from the inside of the tire to the outside of the tire. Usually about 5 will do.
2. Drive the car for about 1/4 of a mile.
3. See where the chalk wore off.

If chalk wore off in the center, too much air pressure.
If chalk wore off on the shoulders, too little air pressure.
If chalk wore evenly across the tire, pressure is right.

You'd be amazed at how many miles I have gotten out of tires by using this simple trick.

Good luck!


Steve

I hate cars

Look on the sidewall.

streese

Sidewall gives tire pressure at maximum load. If you do that, unless you are in dire need of Nutrisystem, you will undoubtedly burn the center of the tire. This is why they put a sticker in the car from the factory that says what tire pressure to run at. They have already determined optimum pressure based on the weight of the vehicle and the tire on the vehicle. This is also why you will find that most recommendations put more pressure in the front than the rear, due to engine location.


Cheers!

Steve

Will Y.

You should be OK w/pressure recommended by the door jamb decal, which is 32/32 on my TL. I normally add a pound or two on top for a margin of error and better mileage/handling.

If you get into autocross or some track time with the TL, you will likely adjust whatever tires you are using to a higher-than-recommended pressure to firm up sidewalls and fine tune the handling.

I hate cars

It's funny you say this. I had my tires rotated and it took me a minute to figure out why the pressure on the rears had gone down according to the dash.

I was being a little sarcastic, I'm used to drag racing where the fronts are aired up to the max and rears use ~19psi.

To be a little more serious, rim vs tire width makes a difference. Wide tire, narrow rim usually cups the middle a little more requiring a little more pressure for good wear and best traction.

streese

Agreed..... That's why the chalk trick is fool proof.

TBone2004

thanks guys - appreciate the replies.

I am loving the chalk idea - and since my 3.5 year old has a nice selection - He may even get a kick out of drawing the line himself.