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Old 05-01-2011, 09:08 PM   #18 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveo126 View Post
just because you can do it doesnt mean its the smartest thing to do. like with many things on cars, the optimal tire pressure is what the factory writes on the inside of the b-pillar near the drivers seat. the recommended tire inflation chart there (for my libby, its 33psi all around) is the best compromise between safety, ride comfort, handling, and fuel economy. its posted at that number because psi fluctuates and the rec. pressure is the middle ground for that. to say that its purely put there so you can blame the manufacturer is one of the most absurd statements ive heard in a while. NO company wants to take the blame for someones mistakes so they put that there to avoid conflict and do everything they can to not be liable.

think about it this way:

youre not saving enough money from overinflating ur rubbers to offset the medical expenses when they blow out and you hit another car.

and believe me, im all for this website and the message it advocates (maximizing the efficiency of your vehicle) but i draw the line at risking my life and others around me
At 24,000 miles on the Michelin X replacement tires on my Civic VX, the tread wear measured 5% of the available tread. Wear was even across the tread and I even drove them on ice with that pressure and survived.
That was at 44 PSI, the same pressure I have my current tires on my Altima.
If you check previous threads or the net in general, a lot of Police forces use similar pressures and if you are carrying a maximum load the pressure recommendations are higher in some cases. I have heard of tires lasting over 100k miles when driven the way hyper milers do with sidewall max pressures.

Try measuring your coasting distance, then try it with sidewall max pressure. I have driven over 70k miles with tires at sidewall max without any issues, and I will continue to do so because it lowers heat retention, increases tire life, saves gas, and does not significantly affect handling. In fact it may improve it, in case I ever need to use the maximum capability.

regards
Mech

regards
Mech
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