TCH tire pressure - GreenHybrid

Orcrone · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006, 09:19 AM

I've read about increasing the tire pressure to incresase MPG. First of all what is the Toyota recommended pressure? I know it's on my door jamb, but it's pouring outside.

What have people set their tire pressure to and how much of a difference have you noticed, not only in MPG but ride, handling, etc.

lars-ss · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006, 10:21 AM

Got mine at 46 PSI, tire max is 51 PSI. Seems to ride and handle fine, not too bumpy or too soft. Looking forward to seeing how the up-inflate helps me on my 2800 mile trip to Texas which I start tomorrow !!!

Will report !!!!

TKCamry · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orcrone

I've read about increasing the tire pressure to incresase MPG. First of all what is the Toyota recommended pressure? I know it's on my door jamb, but it's pouring outside.

What have people set their tire pressure to and how much of a difference have you noticed, not only in MPG but ride, handling, etc.

The Toyota recommended presure, on the door jam, is 32/32 PSI. I put mine at that pressure. I tried 40PSI and it rode hard in my opinion. Back at 32 psi I may not get the very best mileage but the car ride feels better to me.

stevenvillatoro · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 12:29 AM

Still running mine at 46/44 PSI, and doing fine.

aslterp7 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 06:40 AM

So Steve, should I try upping the 32 pressure to 35, 38, 40, 42, 44? They are the Michellin tires. Are there digital tire gauges out there?

Yes, I finally got to join the club. Didn't think I would get it before Father's Day but here I am.

Droid13 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 06:52 AM

Isn't the recommended pressure "recommended" because that is optimal for traction too? Are you increasing your emergency and wet road braking distance by pushing your tires to the higher limits of pressure?

stevenvillatoro · #7 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 09:19 AM

I don't know of anyone on any site who would 'recommend' that you raise your tire pressures. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself by going to sites such as insightcentral.net (where the drivers are strongly interested... if not fanatical... in enhancing their gas mileage), and reading about issues such as safety, tire life, mileage, wet and dry handling, ride quality, etc. You'll find real data and subjective opinions. Then you need to decide what is best for you and your car, based on your particular preferences and concerns.

Orcrone · #8 (**permalink**) 06-18-2006, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droid13

Isn't the recommended pressure "recommended" because that is optimal for traction too? Are you increasing your emergency and wet road braking distance by pushing your tires to the higher limits of pressure?

Not necessarily. There are a number of trade-offs. Higher pressure, better mileage but rougher ride. Lower pressure the opposite. Toyota's are known for being quiet vehicles. It would not surprise me that their tire recommondation is based on providing a smoother ride. It's very possible that raising the pressure several psi will not affect handling.

TKCamry · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orcrone

Not necessarily. There are a number of trade-offs. Higher pressure, better mileage but rougher ride. Lower pressure the opposite. Toyota's are known for being quiet vehicles. It would not surprise me that their tire recommondation is based on providing a smoother ride. It's very possible that raising the pressure several psi will not affect handling.

Here is a good article on tire pressure from the TireRack, the biggest mail order tire seller.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=1

It shows the issues surrounding both under and over inflation. Below I quoted the overinflation section since this msg thread is looking at overinflation to get better mileage.

Quote:

Disadvantages of Overinflation

An overinflated tire is stiff and unyielding and the size of its footprint in contact with the road is reduced. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when encountering potholes or debris in the road, as well as experience irregular tread wear. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities as well causing the vehicle to ride harsher and transmit more noise into its interior. However, higher inflation pressures reduce rolling resistance slightly and typically provide a slight improvement in steering response and cornering stability. This is why participants who use street tires in autocrosses, track events and road races run higher than normal inflation pressures.

P.S. the TireRack link above also has several other related links at that web page(upper right corner) that discusses various issues surrounding tire pressure and wet vs dry; outside temperature; high speed driving; etc.

nash · #10 (**permalink**) 06-20-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Still running mine at 46/44 PSI, and doing fine.

I've increased mine to 42/40 PSI and don't notice any difference in ride or road noise. I have 320 miles so far and measured the Bridgestone tires tread depth. All four are 9/32 on the outer groove and 10/32 on the inner grooves. I'll keep track of the tire wear and report how it changes.

I'm curious what your tread depth is Steven and how your tires wear at 46/44 PSI.