[NHRABill]

Originally Posted by UFO

And the reason is what? The tire is designed to function at load with that much weight, so the shear resistance of the rubber can take it, ergo lighter loads will not stress it as much. Perhaps if your car's dampers are not maintained, the higher pressure can highlight worn shocks, but tire pressure is not the issue.

The manufacturer recommended that pressure to minimize road noise and keep a nice ride, a higher pressure does not make the tire less safe. You build more heat at lower pressures, and that is what causes tire failure.

My reasoning is no different then what has already been stated, pushing a part to its limit no matter how conservative a limit that may be is never a good idea. Driving a car with S rated (112mph) tires at 90mph is not ok for extended periods of time, that same tire is rated as a 87 (typical Midsize car S rated tire) for weight meaning it can hold 1201lbs. Now if the car is a average 3400lbs FWD with majority of the weight over the drivers front tire motor, trans, and driver all being there that particular part will stress and fail even below its recommended limit depending on the factors that are involved. Not everyone drives slow or a compact car. What a low horsepower flyweight 4 cylinder tires can tolerate will not hold true to a v6 or v8 vehicle with more weight and double or triple the power.

There is no correct answer to this thread it is a lot of data and experiences. I have had a couple bad experiences with over inflated tires one being no control when ABS kicked on due to bouncing after hitting a pothole. reason bad shocks I blew them out when on the beach not long ago. Airing down the tires to 30 PSI solved the problem till I replace the front shocks that cost $25 for the pair after coupon.

The other bad experience I mentioned and it happened a while back when I commuted 75 miles each way. Once again something that I should have known better but did not use caution. The combo of Cheap Pep Boys tires excessive speed nearly every day and aggressive driving caused the issue. The tread seperated from the tire ripped the steel belt portion right off leaving a big dent in the rocker panel a few hours getting a tow and the knowledge that I could have hurt someone else and myself due to my impatient driving style. The over maxed tires was thanks to a friend I carpooled with who swears that it will save us gas. I am still friends with him 20 years later but I will never forget what could have happened. And yes I did know better back then but did it anyhow.

My situations were different and may not apply to most people. But it is reality knowing your cars limits and using caution when making a decision like cranking a 32 PSI max tire to 60 PSI and putting your wife and child in a loaded up car for a 300 mile road trip may not be a good idea.

As others have said and practiced by raising the PSI slightly over and learning how the car drives and handles in all situations before going for the Eco Medal might be a smarter decision.