What psi?

[allen820]

For standard tires, on a stock Explorer ('94, '95, and '97), what psi do you inflate your tires to? I know the "door" says 26 psi, but that seems pretty soft to me. What is a good compromise psi to yeild the best handling and ride comfort without sacrificing a whole lot of tire wear and gas mileage?

Thanks.

Allen

 

[IZwack]

ORNL

I think most people run close to almost 30 PSI. But if you're finding the ride too "soft", then the shocks may need to be replaced soon.

 

[aldive]

I run 40 psig in my tires on the '99.

 

[nolimitssjca]

The original tires were Firestones and they have been recalled. These cars are 10+ years in age and tire technology has improved. I believe the tire manufacturers (don't substitute my judgement for yours) are best able to offer PSI recommendations for each type, and brand of tire. I use the recommendation on the side. I have one set of tires that is 70 and another set that is 40.

 

[hunterdan]

Tires usually have the max inflation pressure listed, my Toyos are listed at 50 PSI. That would be way too stiff and would wear the center out in no time. Even at 40-42 PSI, the centers were starting to wear down. In m 31's on my Sport, 32 psi feels comfortable. Your best bet would be to somehow mark your tires with chalk or something that will come off easy as you drive over clean blacktop or something similar and just adjust the pressure until you get a full contact patch. That would be optimum. You will get the best wear, and ride, and also be safer.

Dan

 

[aldive]

At 40 psig, I have no wear issues whatsoever.

 

[Gator Jeff]

2000 Sport -- I run 40 with no issues and improved fuel economy

 

[Nocturnall]

The number on the side of the tire is a max pressure for the tire till the sidewall starts to bubble. That tire goes on probably at least 5 different vehicles all weighing different so more or less weight on the tire. The sticker on the door is a better number to go by if your looking for a number to start at, from there the higher the pressure the stiffer the ride and better the mpg. Not that it would make a HUGE difference. Also when you put wider tires on when your going by the door sticker you want to go a few psi lower because more tire on the ground. At least that's the way Michilen explained it to me when I was going through training on thier tires.

 

[UKExploder]

I run mine at 35psi front,40 psi rear, with no issues at all
{my 235R75x15s}..the Michelins say "max. press. 32 psi" I have on my Ex

 

[Mkrucejr]

Wow, you ain't kiddin'....I went out and checked my jam, and there it was "26psi"....i'm going to have to check my pressures tomm, and see what the dealer put them at.

 

[RJDriver]

The GoodYears I have say max of 44psi and I have been running 36psi with no issues...just better mileage

 

[gijoecam]

I did a TON of research on this about a year ago. I found a TON of opinions on posting boards like this one, but found some much more extensive information on the tire manufacturer's web sites.

The door sticker is the recommended pressure for the OEM tires under OEM load conditions. The recommended inflation for your particular tire can be obtained from the tire manufacturer. Call their 1-800 number, give them the tire model and size, and your approximate axle weights (actual weights from a scale wouldn't hurt either) and they'll be able to reference their load/inflation tables for the recommended pressure.

Each tire manufacturer maintains an extensive set of load/inflation tables. Each model and size of tire will have its own table. The max pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the recommended inflation pressure <i>when the tire is carrying its maximum load</i>. If you don't have the load maxed out, the inflation pressure shouldn't be either.

-Joe

 

[Lazzman]

This one has confused me also.

I was running my Cooper Discoverer AT at 34 psi to save gas, then I saw the side wall where max tire pressure was rated at 35psi.

I lowered the pressure to 31 psi but the tires are still hard as a rock and feel over inflated. When I take them off to do work they bounce like a basketball.

To me that suggests they are over inflated. I will have to contact the tire manufacturer today.

BTW that max pressure of 35psi sounds way low.

Tire size is 255/70R16

 

[gijoecam]

BTW that max pressure of 35psi sounds way low.

Not necessarily... There are a THOUSAND different variables that go into that... I'll be thtat you'll find a very narrow range of inflation pressures even for a light load for that tire. Odds are it's constructed with a VERY stiff sidewall and tread, hence the need for just enough air pressure to hold the rim off the ground. If the tire maintains its shape when it contacts the ground (i.e. it's cross section doesn't change much) then there's probably not much of a need for high pressures. By contrast, a relatively soft tire will require high pressures under high loads. Example: My truck's tires are Goodyear Wrangler AT/S's, with a max pressure on the sidewall of 65 psi. However, at the truck's GAWR, the load on each tire is just over 50% of its maximum capacity, hence the OEM recommends a tire inflation pressure of 35 psi.

It's not always a linear relationship. I'd call Cooper Tire's 1-800 number and run it by them. They should be able to provide you with an answer in short-order.

 

[Lazzman]

Yup, your right on target Joe. The tires do have a very hard sidewall and are more on the off roading side.

It really does not take that much air to inflate them. I lowered the psi 4lbs and did not get much of a difference in the ride quality.

I'm off to call Cooper.