Topic: New Falken ZE 512's -pressure question..

[smokeshowjoe]

Hey all, these tires run smooth and quiet and are V rated vs. the  H rated Turanza EL 42's that came on the Altima 3.5SE.

The guys just mounted them up at 32psi and I am wondering if they should be a little higher for mileage..I do mostly hwy driving and no "other" types like donuts, drifting or smokeshows at the local plaza like the young clowns do ;-)

I am looking for optimal mileage, wear and comfort vs. the aforementioned "other" or trying to beat M5's through corners..

thanks in advance..

[capriracer]

The first thing we need to know is the year make and model of your car.

Alternatively, you could look up the placard on your vehicle and tell us what the original tire size and inflation pressure are listed there.

AND we'll need to know what tire size you now have.

[smokeshowjoe]

The Altima 3.5SE is the same from 2002-2005. They all come with 17*7" rims that are fitted with the EL42's in a 215/55/HR17 4S configuration.

The Falken 512's are a 225/50 VR17 4S M+S(26.1 HO vs. 26.3" HO) with a higher pressure level of 51psi vs the 44 psi on the El42's

I ran the OE tire at 35 lbs and got decent highway mileage, any higher and the set up was too harsh. Winter pressure (in snow which most people seem to randomly forget when discussing 4S tires)was about 32.
Thanks Boys!

[855t]

If your tires are new, I suggest you get a copy of the warranty card and follow the rotation interval of every 8km and have it stamped by the shop.

The ZE-512s are known to have a shorter treadlife than rated. Mine are rated to 50,000kms and it's already at the wear mark at 31,000kms. And that includes the 10,000km rotation recommended by the shop. Too bad I cannot claim a warranty because it's not every 8,000.

Anyway, I do like these tires and am getting them again. But will follow the warranty card so if they do not live up to their treadwear guarantee I can atleast make a claim.

Regarding tire pressure, what I'd do is start with the recommended psi then draw a chalk line across the tire and see how it wears off after a regular drive.

[capriracer]

OK, it turns out your new tires have a load rating very close to the original tires, so the pressure on your placard applies - 33 / 30.  Using additional pressure is usually a good thing.  so if 35 worked for you, then that's a good pressure to use.

You can you the chalk method if you like, but DO NOT go below what the vehicle mamufacturer recommends - you might be overloading your tires and overloaded tires can fail, and very bad things can happen.

Hope that helps.

[smokeshowjoe]

OK guys, thanks for your replies. I'll try the chalk method and also monitor mileage..trying them up a couple fo pounds for summer hwy driving..just wanted to get some ideas first..sanity check etc.

Have a good summer-drive safe!