What tire pressure are you running on your Pilot?

[macphanatic]

I'm thinking of inflating my tires a few more psi for handling/fuel economy purposes. Anyone else doing this?

[ptsmh73]

I believe most are running higher PSI than on the door label. I run mine at 35 PSI.

[Nathan_P]

I run my tires @ 38psi

[mmmmark]

I run mine 34 or 35 cold.

I'd be concerned about running 38, unless that is "road pressure".

If 38 is cold pressure, that could be well over 40 (just a SWAG) hot. That is potentially dangerous and more prone to hydroplaning or slippage in marginal conditions.

Radials perform best when they have just a bit of give in them.

[Roger]

These numbers don't mean anything unless you know what the tire manufacturer's max sidewall pressure is.

[macphanatic]

Have any of you noticed improved mpg after upping tire pressure?

[CMasten]

Im in So Cal, this summer I tracked my mileage with my new CTs and saw almost exactly 1pmg more at 36 than at 32. Average of 8 fillups

I just put new Michelins on my wifes Ody and have seen about the same with the same driving conditions on hers as well. Average of 6 fill ups

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by mmmmark
I run mine 34 or 35 cold.

I'd be concerned about running 38, unless that is "road pressure".

If 38 is cold pressure, that could be well over 40 (just a SWAG) hot. That is potentially dangerous and more prone to hydroplaning or slippage in marginal conditions.

Radials perform best when they have just a bit of give in them.

The safe pressure is listed on the sidewall, and is often over 40 (typ 44).

Either way it is measured as a "cold" pressure and already accounts for the increase from heating.

Also, under many conditions, higher pressures handle better, including reducing hydroplaning.

[larryziegler]

I increased my pressure from 35-38 psi and have seen a 1 mpg increase in highway mileage (from 22 mpg - 23 mpg).

[mmmmark]

Originally posted by N_Jay
Also, under many conditions, higher pressures handle better, including reducing hydroplaning.

Why do I find wording like this in many places on the net?

OVER INFLATION: An over-inflated tire will balloon on the road surface. The center of the tire will appear more worn than the edges. It will not corner as well and is more prone to hydroplane. This is because the tread meant to channel the water is not completely in contact with the road surface.

Also:

If your tires are over inflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over pot holes or debris in the road. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities well causing them to ride harsher.

Upping the pressure is only good....to a point.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by mmmmark



Why do I find wording like this in many places on the net?

OVER INFLATION: An over-inflated tire will balloon on the road surface. The center of the tire will appear more worn than the edges. It will not corner as well and is more prone to hydroplane. This is because the tread meant to channel the water is not completely in contact with the road surface.

Also:

If your tires are over inflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over pot holes or debris in the road. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities well causing them to ride harsher.

Upping the pressure is only good....to a point.

I guess it is all in the definition of "over-inflation".
I have rarely seen radial tires where even at max pressure do not still have a little sidewall bulge.

While significantly narrowing the tread by over inflation (like would happen with bias-ply tires) would definitely decrease handling, the higher pressures also mean higher contact pressures and will therefore (as it has been explained to me) be less likely to hydroplane. (higher contact pressure will displace water faster as ling as there are tread channels for it to displace through.

think of it as the opposite of what happens when you air-down for sand.

When I used to autocross, everyone ran their tires right up to the limit.

[macphanatic]

More pressure means a smaller contact patch. Therefore, you should get better gas mileage. You also get better traction in snow and rain as the force applied per square inch is greater (same weight exerted over a smaller area). Airing down works for sand because you don't want to dig in, you want to float (for lack of a better term).

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by macphanatic
More pressure means a smaller contact patch. Therefore, you should get better gas mileage. You also get better traction in snow and rain as the force applied per square inch is greater (same weight exerted over a smaller area). Airing down works for sand because you don't want to dig in, you want to float (for lack of a better term).

Well put.

And I don't think there is a better tire.

Maybe that is why sand tires are called "Flotation Tires"?

[krygny]

Originally posted by Roger
These numbers don't mean anything unless you know what the tire manufacturer's max sidewall pressure is.

The max pressure on the sidewall is just that - the maximum pressure the tire is designed to handle. It has nothing to do with anything else.

Most tire manufacturers will not suggest a pressure. They suggest following the recommendation of the vehicle manufacturer. Honda recommends 32 psi. I run at 34-36.

[Roger]

Originally posted by krygny



The max pressure on the sidewall is just that - the maximum pressure the tire is designed to handle. It has nothing to do with anything else.

Most tire manufacturers will not suggest a pressure. They suggest following the recommendation of the vehicle manufacturer. Honda recommends 32 psi. I run at 34-36.

What I was trying to say is that if you run the Honda rec 32 in a tire that had a max press of 34 you would be close to the max rec pressure (and what I would run). If you ran 32 in a tire rated for 44 you would be underinflated (IMO).

To just say you run "x" pressure and not know what the max pressure of the tire is to me is not a valid comparison.

I always run mine close to the max sidewall pressure (cold). Doesn't give the best ride but for me it gives the best tread life, handling and fuel mileagae. Remember this is what I do, not saying everyone else should, just my opinion.