Hey guys--first time poster here. I own a 2002 Prius, and I've been avoiding the task of inflating its tires for the last two years (largely because I'm not savvy with car maintenance). So, today I made the rookie mistake of deciding to inflate my tires without first looking up the appropriate tire pressure, etc--I figured the recommended tire pressure would be written on the wheel. I couldn't find the recommended PSI, or at least figure out which numbers corresponded to the tire pressure, nor, how it translated to the pressure bars on the air pump. That said, I inflated all my tires to slightly above 6 bars. Having now looked online, it appears the tires should have been inflated to 3 bars (winter weather conditions here in Ontario). My problem is, I have to work for a couple hours today. Can my tires survive being pumped beyond its recommended level for a couple hours, so long as I don't drive on it for more than a mile later to get the air pressure readjusted? I have an hour commute home, so I'm worried that my safety might be compromised by the tires being overinflated for a couple hours. Also, I noticed a chunk out of one of my tires--I hope this isn't additionally problematic. Thanks for any advice out there! L
That is a lot of pressure, and though I'm not an expert, I think it's very possible it could be dangerous. If you have a tire gauge, it's very easy to let out the pressure until you're at the correct pressure. Just put the gauge on the tire enough to hear a hissing sound (but not enough to fully attach), wait a bit, push it on fully to check the pressure, let out more, until you're at the right pressure.
1) Once you lower the air pressure, all is fine. 2) Any tire with chunks missing is suspect, try to have a tire professional look at it.
If you didn't do so before, you should fill the compact spare tire up to its appropriate pressure. I believe it has its proper pressure molded into the tire sidewall--if not, look on the sticker that has the other tire pressures.
6 bar is 87 psi. On the sidewall look for a load limit "load limit xxx pounds (yyy kg) at nn psi" or max. sidewall pressure. The Bridgestone Portenza RE92 is rated for 1102 pounds at 50psi.
