Updated Tire Pressure Poll - GreenHybrid

haroldo · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 03:26 PM

The prior poll didn't have many choices, so, by popular demand, the poll is being redone.

haroldo · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 05:06 PM

Why do people use a lower pressure in the back?

mikieboyblue · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 05:22 PM

Why do people use 49 or above??? That can't be safe can it????

chiedoziedike · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 06:35 PM

I can't believe people are driving around with their pressure set at 49

People are really taking this hybrid culture to unreasonable extremes. Now I understand why people think that those who drive hybrids are weird.

I stay at 35-36 psi. That reminds me, I haven't checked my pressure since winter started.

CJO2007CamryHyb · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 07:30 PM

As with anything that might increase fuel economy, inflating your tires to 49+ psi might acheive that result. I know my Michelins only allow 45psi and would not dare going even close to that!! Common sense has to apply when trying to increase your MPG.

nash · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 07:59 PM

I picked other as I set mine to 42psi front and 40psi on the rear.

Haroldo asked why more on the front? There is more weight on the front tires. I believe it helps when cornering to help the car handle more neutral, with less of a tendency for understeering.

Edit: found an interesting link on Toyota Nation

haroldo · #7 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nash

I picked other as I set mine to 42psi front and 40psi on the rear...

I set up the choice "slightly lower in the back" to account for those that use different settings front and rear

livvie · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 06:55 AM

Increasing tire pressure has a marginal increase in mpg but has a larger change in handling and braking.

Fooshe · #9 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 07:44 AM

You have to remember, the toyotanation.com posting is for fine tuning suspension to tire pressure for high performance driving, not street driving.

Also, you never want to increase your tire pressure too much. It will prematurely wear your tires out and cause a rougher ride. All that money you save in gas goes to the tire company for your new tires you bought 10-15K earlier than you would have with the proper PSI in your tires. Oh, and the factory emissions probably cancelled out your attempt to reduce greenhouse gases with higher milage.

nash · #10 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fooshe

You have to remember, the toyotanation.com posting is for fine tuning suspension to tire pressure for high performance driving, not street driving.

Also, you never want to increase your tire pressure too much. It will prematurely wear your tires out and cause a rougher ride. All that money you save in gas goes to the tire company for your new tires you bought 10-15K earlier than you would have with the proper PSI in your tires. Oh, and the factory emissions probably cancelled out your attempt to reduce greenhouse gases with higher milage.

All are valid concerns Fooshe. My experience running the OEM Bridgestone tires at 42/40psi has been very positive. Noticeably better handling; including less understeer and better braking, as well as low tire wear. I have just over 30K miles on the TCH, and all four tires measure 7/32 mm tread depth. The centers have about half a mm more tread than the edges.

My personal opinion is the factory spec of 32 psi is too low, and sacrifices performance and tire wear for a very small increase in comfort.