Optimum Tire Pressure

[bravozulu]

'94 Camry V-6, new 205 65R 15 tires. Placard in the glove box indicates rating for 5 passengers at 32lbs front/rear.

I always drive alone. Should I maintain that pressure? Mostly street driving, a little freeway. Tires are new, road conditions in Los Angeles are in the toilet.

[BMR]

You might consider dropping down a few psi from that. My Camry has two tire pressure recommendations on that sticker, one for fully loaded (900 lbs), and a lower pressure for a lesser load.

On the other hand, if the tires are wearing evenly across their width, then you're good.

[AlmightyCamry777]

I concur with BMR's opinion above. If i have to add air to the tires, i pump them up to the maximum pressure it says you cam, on the sidewall. Those recommendations are for smooth ride etc. in an attempt to please all the owners all of the time. Tire technology changes faster then i change cars (2002 V6) so i just put em at the max sidewall pressure and ignore what toyta says.

I am wiling to accept a little harsher ride (and 4 or 5 pounds over in the tires would be scarely noticable i think) IF the tires are wearing properly. If the inside treads were wearing more then the outside - then and only then would i drop it to toyota recommended. Also if you inflate more then what toyota says, you buy yourself some more time before you have to add air again (even good tire, good valves and stems tire caps in place, will usually lose one pound of air per month no matter what you do). I might get flamed for this but i work on automotive, have changed maybe 100 or 2000 tires in my life, and i always just go by the sidewall (there often being no other reference available). Using the sidewall pressure as a guide has worked for me so far.

[LostSouthernStar]

I concur with AlmightyCamry777 above!

I have a 2001 Camry and I always keep my tire pressure near or at maximum sidewall pressure...not only does it provide a more even ride, but it delivers better fuel economy and reduces the aging of the tire as well in that it wears evenly inside and out.

There have been many, many more accidents due to UNDERinflated tires as opposed to OVERinflated tires. However, if for any reason you do not feel comfortable running your tires at maximum...inflate to psi in between to what the door says and what the sidewall says.

Also, make sure before inflating your tires that they are cold when the pressure is checked...this prevents overstretching the tire, leading to it bursting.




Hope this helps! God bless!


-LSS

[julyaric720]

You might consider dropping down a few psi from that.

[5thgencamryJ]

Originally Posted by bravozulu

'94 Camry V-6, new 205 65R 15 tires. Placard in the glove box indicates rating for 5 passengers at 32lbs front/rear.

I always drive alone. Should I maintain that pressure? Mostly street driving, a little freeway. Tires are new, road conditions in Los Angeles are in the toilet.

I use same pressure. Higher pressure is better for smooth roads. (highway)
When you measure in morning (cold) or in summer (hot weather) affects reading. Pressure will decrease on cold days and raise in hot. (before moving car)
any way to get rid of our traffic?

[fenixus]

I honestly am trying to drive with 33-34psi (measured at cold tire around 0C/32F ambient) through swiss cheese city (and some hwy) roads around here through Winter ... but since this Winter is like Spring mostly, then the higher than normal temperature offsets the pressure in tires to 38-39psi at warm tire at around 10C/50F and that is hard on suspension and uncomfy. I will be lowering tire pressure on my cars soon. maybe such pressure is good for MPG and highway driving, but I'm fed up with pot holes and uneven roads and the stiff suspension feeling it makes!

In summer I usually try keeping no more than 35psi at warm tire and summer temps (up to and over 35C/95F even more in direct sunlight) which is totally different when measured at cold tire (31-32psi?).

[zb420]

Originally Posted by 5thgencamryJ

any way to get rid of our traffic?

Ha!, I do remember when the traffic was bearable in L.A. but I have lived here forever and a day.

It's all about knowing the right route to where you want to get to.

You learn what time is good and what time is bad for certain streets, fwy, at certain times of day.

..but still, the traffic her does suck.

[AlmightyCamry777]

Originally Posted by 5thgencamryJ

I use same pressure. Higher pressure is better for smooth roads. (highway)
When you measure in morning (cold) or in summer (hot weather) affects reading. Pressure will decrease on cold days and raise in hot. (before moving car)
any way to get rid of our traffic?

Move?

[Zembonez]

Tire technology has changed a lot since 1994. Running 35 psi in most new tires works very well and promotes even wear and good fuel economy.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

Tire technology has changed a lot since 1994. Running 35 psi in most new tires works very well and promotes even wear and good fuel economy.

What he said.