Quote:
Originally Posted by qx4dude
The cavalier attitude about exceeding "max sidewall" pressure is astounding. Teams of engineers at major tire manufacturers have worked with teams of engineers at auto makers to determine the maximum safe tire pressure - but we know better because someone on the Internet pumped his tires 30 PSI over the design specification of the tire. Clearly, a few of us put saving a few bucks on fuel ahead of the risk to ourselves, our families, and others on road. This isn't only about risking a blowout, or premature tire wear, it's about the affect that over-inflation has to driving dynamics, and the car's reduced ability to maneuver (or stop) in an emergency situation.
I'll admit that I have raised pressure in my tires 6 PSI over the door sticker's recommended 36 PSI (which has improved FE), but I won't go anywhere near the stated maximum 51 PSI sidewall pressure. I'll put my trust in the engineering team that designed the tire over an anonymous Internet user's "research".
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Your choice, but if you read and think about the knowledge people share here (something you clearly have not done yet in any serious way), you'll realize that the engineering of tires creates considerably more possibilities than suggested by these simple consumer guidelines you're espousing. Ironically, your argument here is the definition of cavalier, because it blithely dismisses the discussions as if everyone is just a hack and these anonymous "engineers" have published the full summation of their knowledge on your car door and tire sidewall. The limits and capacities of these tires are far greater than any stresses 60psi at slow speeds on paved roads puts on them. Our cars are mass produced for all possible extremes of conditions at once. The psi guidelines are a lowest common denominator kinda thing. The consumer information does not try to represent the absolute extreme capacities of the vehicles that the engineering has identified. So don't go near the stated sidewall if you choose, but that's not realistically a thoughtful choice about safety, though you clearly think it is. It's about your preferences, your applications, and the conditions in which you drive your car.
He'll keep an eye on his tires, as should you. Your softer tires face different blowout possibilities than his do at 60psi. He's better off in some conditions at 60psi than you are at 42. Hydroplaning for example.
Gotta go to work. I hope that's clear and useful. Have a good day.