Tyre Pressures.

[JockoT]

Looking into the pros and cons of increasing your tyre pressures for lower rolling resistance and better mpg and I have confirmed that here in the UK it is illegal to operate your vehicle on the highway with tyre pressures above or below the manufacturers recommended figures for your vehicle.
What I am doing though, is I have dug out a second inflator pump to keep in the garage, one that I don't have to coil up and tuck away the cable (as I do the one in the boot/trunk), so that I am much more likely to check and adjust my tyre pressures every couple of days.

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by JockoT

........ What I am doing though, is I have dug out a second inflator pump to keep in the garage, one that I don't have to coil up and tuck away the cable (as I do the one in the boot/trunk), so that I am much more likely to check and adjust my tyre pressures every couple of days.

I think that is a bit too OCD - unless you have leaky tires. Set and forget - but update when the seasons change.

Hopefully your post won't devolve into a cluster... as this topic always seems to bring out the worse in people.

[JockoT]

Yes, every couple of days is a bit extreme. Especially as I have steel wheels. The alloys I had on my Volvo were like sieves! I had them restored and powder coated and never dropped a psig after that.
I'll check my tyres when I wash the car, that will be more than often enough.

[MJamson]

Originally Posted by JockoT

here in the UK it is illegal to operate your vehicle on the highway with tyre pressures above or below the manufacturers recommended figures for your vehicle.

I have never thought about it before, but for some reason I am supprised by this. It isn't supprising though, considering that in the UK you need to do a risk assessment and wear a high vis jacket just to use the bathroom :P

I can understand why it is in the law but how far would they take it ?

Pressure depends on alot of factors (ambiant temp, tyre temp) and many of the tyre gauges are not calibrated very well - if at all.

In the real world I could only see this being applicable if there are tyre buldges are you are almost running on rims.

[MJamson]

Originally Posted by JockoT

What I am doing though, is I have dug out a second inflator pump to keep in the garage, one that I don't have to coil up and tuck away the cable (as I do the one in the boot/trunk), so that I am much more likely to check and adjust my tyre pressures every couple of days.

Perhaps a TPMS system might suit your better.

You can get ones that replace a tyre end cap but they aren't very good as they leak (first hand experience), but the ones that replace the stem are meant to be quite good.

TPMS Wireless 4 Sensors Tire Pressure Monitoring System LCD Display for Toyota | eBay

[Stubby79]

Oy vey. Unless you have an accident, are they really going to check your tire pressure?

[JockoT]

Originally Posted by Stubby79

Oy vey. Unless you have an accident, are they really going to check your tire pressure?

Correct, but that is the only time you need your insurance and here they use any excuse to get out of paying.
The police only seriously check vehicles that are in life changing accidents, however, if you get stopped for a minor infringement, and they spot a serious defect such as a defective tyre, they will go over the vehicle looking for offences to add to the charge!
And you do get stopped for minor offences. To carry out a breath test they have to have a moving traffic offence to warrant stopping you so, depending on the time of day, anything goes.
Not worth the hassle for a couple more mpg!

[Frank Lee]

So then what is the question?

Here's a thought: Have a deliberately wrong gauge in the car at all times, that reads low, so that if it ever comes up you can demonstrate to the gods that you were setting pressure by the gauge "which as far as you know is accurate".

[JockoT]

There was no question. Personally I prefer to keep my tyre pressures at the manufacturer's recommendations. I am more interested in getting a comfortable ride with good tyre wear and grip, rather than eking another few miles out of a gallon.

[Frank Lee]

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