Help Me Pick my Next Vehicle

[fleabag]

My understanding is that the sidewall pressure indicates how much weight the tires can handle (the pressure goes up when more weight is on them). You're supposed to fill the tire to what the car manufacturer says because their number takes into account how heavy the car is.

Example, my 2800lb Honda's manual said the tires should be filled to 32psi. Presumably this means the tires will be make a solid connection with the road at this pressure. Below 32psi, the tires will bulge at the sides and suck. At the tire's rated pressure of 44psi, the tires will bulge at the bottom and wear the middle of the tire while making a horrible connection to the road. If my Honda was a bit heavier, maybe 3500 pounds, then 44psi would be enough pressure to make a solid connection to the road, no side bulges, no bottom bulges.

You're assuming too much.. First of all there are plenty of vehicles inflated to manufacturer's suggested rating yet somehow they always wear down the sides. On the Volvo S60 I drive, it says 32 front 30 rear, but then right below that, it says "economy" 38 front and rear... Radial tries don't balloon out so inflating to sidewall isn't going to cause the tires to wear down the center unless you're talking about the rear wheels of an unloaded pickup where there really is no weight on them.. If you read the owner's manual of some cars, it'll mention that for high speed driving you should add 5psi to the doorjamb COLD tire pressure. Also if you're inflating to the doorjamb pressure and you've driven on them, it may also say to add 4psi to the doorjamb PSI as well.

I like to take my corners quickly and consequently I've found my tires wear more evenly after I inflated to sidewall pressure. The disadvantage to sidewall pressure is a harsher ride and sometimes noisier one as well. Doorjamb pressure isn't always about even tire wear but usually what is the minimum pressure needed in order to be safe AND comfortable which Ford unfortunately miscalculated with their Ford Explorers... (They had suggested 26psi)

 

[ShawnD1]

I like to take my corners quickly and consequently I've found my tires wear more evenly after I inflated to sidewall pressure. The disadvantage to sidewall pressure is a harsher ride and sometimes noisier one as well. Doorjamb pressure isn't always about even tire wear but usually what is the minimum pressure needed in order to be safe AND comfortable which Ford unfortunately miscalculated with their Ford Explorers... (They had suggested 26psi)

Good point. The manufacturer will likely recommend a pressure that is slightly below optimum performance in order to be more comfortable. Something like a Ferrari would probably state optimal performance pressure.

 

[brblx]

in this post i giggle apprehensively.

 

[KentState]

in this post i giggle apprehensively.

I didn't think that someone else would actually take the bait. Next time I will use sarcasm tags.

 

[Zargon]

I didn't think that someone else would actually take the bait. Next time I will use sarcasm tags.

haha seriously.






OP: If you arent opposed to having a spare set of wheels, most RWD cars would be fine with GOOD snow tires. tires are what makes a car driveable in the snow, not which wheels provide the power.

 

[ShawnD1]

Here's a Subaru Impreza pulling an 18 wheeler out of snow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Y7DVEPSSs

I would post a picture of me digging my Honda Civic or Ford Tempo out of snow but it never occurred to me that I should try to capture one of those moments.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Oh god, make it stop! 😀

 

[soulcougher73]

Maybe a used 2009 Subaru Impreza (Outback Sport) model. That model also has raised independant suspension.

 

[bigshot]

I recently bought the AWD Suzuki SX4. Excellent Visability, nice handling, great fit and finish, great in the snow. Go test drive one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQq33-RBNuo

 

[Jumpem]

Used Outback or Forester is the only answer.

 

[kage69]

If you have real winters, then I feel it's worth opting for AWD over FWD. There's a reason Subie's are so prolific up here in Maine. My sister is on her second Legacy, and loves it. My 6'3" 200lb frame fits in it without discomfort. It's not a luxury sedan like feel, granted, but it's not too shabby. It's hard to beat a Subaru with proper winter tires when you are driving in teh froezn suck.

I've always tended to stay away from Pontiacs, but have a friend who picked up a slightly used Buick and he is thrilled with it. Not the easy to impress kind of guy either.