05-31-2007, 08:41 AM
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Major Uranium Miner
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Real Name: Mark
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Hybrids: Honda Accord Aybrid
Posts: 63
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Re: Tire pressure and fuel econonmy
Quote:
Originally Posted by livvie
Not true.
Handling and braking improves the higher the pressure.
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I think that handling and braking performance are too subjective to measure under ordinary driving conditions. Only when we push the vehicle to the limits would any changes, good or bad, be observable. When most drivers do "push the envelope" it is usually for some emergency condition like avoiding an accident. Tough at that moment to be rational enough to measure things like g-force and stopping distance.
More importantly, and this cannot be emphasized enough in this thread, is to not exceed the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire and don't go under the vehicle manufacturers recommendation. Both conditions can lead to sudden failure of the tire with nasty consequences.
Safe travel is more important than economy or performance.
I run my tires at 38(rear) and 40(front). Recommended psi by Honda is 34 for both and max sidewall is 44. A fair compromise I think. In truth, I have not noticed any change in observable fuel economy in the six months I have made this adjustment from the Honda specs. Because I am a gentle driver, easy on the braking, accelleration, and speeds, performance changes have not been noticable.
R. Mark Owens - Casper Desert Mist
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