questions about tire pressure

[theNEOone]

i have michelin sport 225/45/18 w/ a max pressure of 51psi. my dad says that i should keep my tire pressure at around 35psi, because that's what his tires are set to on his car. however, his tires have a max psi of 44.

question: what pressure should my tires be at? i say that i should be around 40-45, but he insists otherwise. also, i live in florida so it gets quite hot, i need a cushion for expansion when the temp. climbs.


=|

 

[notfred]

It says on the label on the driver's door of the car. Open the door and look above the latch mechanism.

 

[islandtechengineers]

check the labels or the books for your car. I usually keep mine somewhere in between 35 to 45 - depending on how im running my car or what i'll be using it for.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: notfred
It says on the label on the driver's door of the car. Open the door and look above the latch mechanism.

Yes, it varies from car to car because of weight differences.

 

[theNEOone]

these are aftermarket wheels and tires.


=|

 

[Cat13]

Always go by what the sticker on the door or in the manual. Each car/truck will be different, even with the same tires.

 

[Pacfanweb]

35psi sound pretty good. You could vary a few lbs either way from that and be okay. Don't use the max pressure unless you want to fully load your car, or you decide you don't like your kidneys anymore.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: theNEOone
these are aftermarket wheels and tires.


=|

Still not a factor. (Or much of one)

Even in your owners manual they list different pressures depending on load, IE number of passengers or how much STUFF you;re carrying.

 

[TechnoKid]

35psi sounds good for that tire size. although to calculate to best psi, you have to take into account the load rating of the tire at a given psi, how much your car weighs or is loaded or the difference bewteen the load rating and the psi of the stock tires, plus adjustment for any comfort you want.

 

[ZeroNine8]

The short answer is that using the same pressure will give you similar performance regardless of max pressure (all else being comparable).

For example, 225/45R18 tires with a max pressure of 44psi that are inflated to 35psi will perform similar to 225/45R18 with a max pressure of 51psi that are inflated to 35psi. This does not take into account different tread compounds that affect cornering performance and traction, but for typical driving, 35psi should feel like 35psi regardless of max tire pressure. The primary difference is that your 51psi max pressure tires can be inflated to a higher pressure in case you need a stiffer tire (to carry a heavier load). Usually, higher pressure tires are more heavily constructed, though the differences you would be able to feel should be minimal, if any at all.

 

[theNEOone]

Originally posted by: ZeroNine8
The short answer is that using the same pressure will give you similar performance regardless of max pressure (all else being comparable).

For example, 225/45R18 tires with a max pressure of 44psi that are inflated to 35psi will perform similar to 225/45R18 with a max pressure of 51psi that are inflated to 35psi. This does not take into account different tread compounds that affect cornering performance and traction, but for typical driving, 35psi should feel like 35psi regardless of max tire pressure. The primary difference is that your 51psi max pressure tires can be inflated to a higher pressure in case you need a stiffer tire (to carry a heavier load). Usually, higher pressure tires are more heavily constructed, though the differences you would be able to feel should be minimal, if any at all.

exactly the information i was looking for. very informative, thank you.


=|

 

[0roo0roo]

always use car suggested info. its the psi at which the tire will have a full contact tread for that car.