I'm currious to find out what members here in the North East have their tire pressure set at. I know the higher the pressure the better your FE but I am worried about reducing stopping distances and traction on ice and snow.

 

I've never noticed any reduction in performance on wet or snowy roads with the higher tire pressure. I leave the tires at 40psi in whichever FEH I am driving at the time. I lower the tires in the wife's to about 35. My wife and I swap cars every few months to keep mileage about even.

I'm at around 35k miles on each of them so I'll probably get at least another winter, maybe two more, out of the EcoPlus tires they came with.

 

Why the 5 psi drop when the wife is driving?

 

Probably for a little softer ride for the missus. The streets of Boston can be a bit... rough.

 

I have never noticed a difference in the ride with the tires at 40 but in case there is any difference, I take the five pounds out for her in case she gets into some snow or slop. She drives about 10% of the miles I do so there is almost no noticeable difference in the gas mileage.

Plus, she's a lousy driver so every little bit of additional safety helps.

 

I have no scientific data, but... logic says, lower psi is better for snow & ice.

I run 44-45psi in all four tires most of the year.

December to March or April, I'll lower the front only to 36-38psi.
More for peace of mind.

If there was a big difference, manufacturer's would probably recommend 35 summer, 30 winter, don't you think?