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Old 12-21-2009, 12:22 AM   #60 (permalink)
wdb
lurker's apprentice
 
Join Date: May 2008
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PlainJane - '12 Toyota Tacoma Base 4WD Access Cab
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I just read the entire thread. What jumped out at me:
  • The article referenced in the initial post represents a very simplistic view of tire dynamics
  • Tire dynamics is anything but simple
I sure am glad people here aren't afraid to ask questions and challenge assumptions.

I can offer some anecdotal, seat-of the-pants data. In the interests of maximizing rolling efficiency and fuel economy, I ran my Fit's tires up to sidewall max of 51psi. Wet traction suffered; the front of the car lost traction in turns much more easily than it had at the recommended pressure of 32 psi. So I lowered the pressures to 45psi, and wet traction improved. That pressure represents the traction/rolling resistance compromise I am happy with. YMMV.
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