Tire Pressure

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by markymo01, Oct 28, 2008.

  1. diamondlarry

    diamondlarry EPA MPG #'s killer

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    The fact that most(if not all)of the studies seem to be on the dangers of low pressure says a lot; to me anyway. I suppose that there could be a higher risk of catastrophic failure at higher psi but, in the 25K+ with the Prius and the 10's of thousands of miles on my other cars before it without a failure, seems to suggest that the risk is either very minimal or that I'm one of the luckiest guys on the planet. Since I've never won the Lotto or a sweepstakes I'm leaning away from the latter.:p I have even run at freeway speeds for over 550 miles at a stretch in 90F temps without incident.

    rpg51, as for negative treadwear results on your tires, I'm not familiar with those softer compounds but I will say that I have never seen a tire's tread life shortened yet due to increased psi.
     
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Well, sure, underinflated tires will certainly fail; but who deliberately runs underinflated tires for any distance? The only reasons to underinflate that come to mind are
    1. better traction when stuck in sand
    2. trying to gain a couple inches to get under a low bridge.

    So, heck yeah, pump those babies up to 60 PSI. Woo-hoo! :_>
     
  3. diamondlarry

    diamondlarry EPA MPG #'s killer

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    Two words...Ford Exploder:D
     
  4. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    Or, in Larry's case - "Drop those babies down to 60 PSI" - Woo Hoo!.
     
  5. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Gungadin and Diamond Larry have it right, this was discussed adnauseum about two months ago. One fellow ran his tires at 70lbs and got 70mpg! I did experiment at various stages of 50,60 and 70 and could see little difference in mileage. The ride was a little rougher at low speeds but actually smoother at high speeds going over pot holes. I have since returned the pressures to 55lbs. I have a depth guage and find that the center tread is always more than the edges. Which is strange. I think it was DiamondLarry that 70 at 70. I say never run the tires at the pressures on the door frame, unless you like to buy tires.
     
  6. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    GUNGADIN & JOHN1701a - thanks for your input. as i stated before, i DO run 42/40.

    gungadin - would you say that if i ran 42/40 COLD PSI, it's safe to take a 1,400 mile trip with these psi's?
     
  7. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    When I first got my 05 I traveled from Sacramento to Florida and back at sidewall pressure (bead pressure) 42lbs on all 4, No problems at all.
     
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If an Integrity failed under those conditions either it was defective or it got punctured. All tire ratings include allowance for heating during use. In September I drove 2400 miles through west Texas and New Mexico with 42/40.
     
  9. N3FOL

    N3FOL Member

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    At those psi pressure on the low 40's it should not be a problem. I opt for 40 Fr and 38 Rr then did an 800 mile ride to Cape Cop. Mpg was still in the low 50's. I love them Integrities.
     
  10. PA Prius

    PA Prius Active Member

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    Last summer we did a 7,500 mile coast to coast trip-- two adults, two teens, and all the camping gear. 48/46 and all is well. Since then I've kept them at 50/48. The tires are about at their end now. Still some tread in the middle, but getting smooth on the outside edges.

    PA P
     
  11. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    Yikes! You deserve a medal. :)