Topic: Tire Pressure - All Season vs Winter tire

[Squishy]

I store them stacked on their side with the valve core removed.  Keep them away from fluorescent lighting and direct sunlight.

[HeliDriver]

Before we discuss this further, read about Tire Standardizing Organizations and Load tables here:

http://www.geocities.com/barrystiretech/index.html


After that, then let's talk about what is written on the sidewall.

Thanks for the link. Interesting reading.

One of the things that struck me was the arbitrariness of the max pressure listed on the sidewall. Unless I read the article wrong, it seems to me that it has nothing to do with tire construction (well, except for speed ratings), and everything to do with how tire companies interpret a vague government regulation.

I wondered about that when I had my last set of winter tires. They had a max pressure of only 35psi written on the sidewall, which was a pain because 35psi is Honda's recommended pressure for the stock tires and I like to set my winters a little higher - around 40psi.

Although I had a few qulams about it, I decided to run the tires at 40psi anyway. I did that for five winters, and never had any problems or noticed anything unusual.

[capriracer]

Before we discuss this further, read about Tire Standardizing Organizations and Load tables here:

http://www.geocities.com/barrystiretech/index.html


After that, then let's talk about what is written on the sidewall.

Thanks for the link. Interesting reading.

One of the things that struck me was the arbitrariness of the max pressure listed on the sidewall. Unless I read the article wrong, it seems to me that it has nothing to do with tire construction (well, except for speed ratings), and everything to do with how tire companies interpret a vague government regulation.

I wondered about that when I had my last set of winter tires. They had a max pressure of only 35psi written on the sidewall, which was a pain because 35psi is Honda's recommended pressure for the stock tires and I like to set my winters a little higher - around 40psi.

Although I had a few qulams about it, I decided to run the tires at 40psi anyway. I did that for five winters, and never had any problems or noticed anything unusual.

No, you did not read the article wrong.

While a given tire manufacturer may use a slightly stronger casing for tires with higher sidewall pressures, there's no over-riding technical reason to do so.  Tires with 35 psi written on the sidewall are - by and large - capable of handling slightly higher pressures, provided the circumstances fit.

For example, the idea behind specifying higher pressure for higher speed operation is to lower the heat generation.  Since this would occur on smoothish roads with minimal potholes, then the increased risk of an impact failure due to the increased inflation pressure is offset by the lowered risk due to the road conditions.

[toyotafan01]

Very interesting discussion. My all Season is Michelin MX4 and winter is Hankook W409. I will keep pressure as set in Tire Shop - 2psi higher than sticker. Specially, I cannot check pressure regularly during week, so would be safe bet to keep tires in good condition. Tire Rack has nice article about pressure for winter tires, and they also state that should be good practice.

Thanks for input.

[Noobee]

So what's the verdict then?  Add a few lbs of pressure to the recommended by the manufacturer or add like 8+ psi?