Tire inflation and gas mileage
I recently conducted an unplanned experiment with tire inflation. I always inflated my ties to 40 psi and got about 45 MPG. About five months ago I took the car in for routine service at Honda and they took the pressure down to 32 psi without telling me. The gas mileage immediately dropped. It took me a while to notice and a while more to correct the situation. So over about 3000 miles of driving at 32 psi I got about 42 MPG. Now the tires are back to 40 psi and the mileage is again at 45-46 MPG.
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Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
What's the point? Over inflating tires reduces rolling resistance and grip. You're trading control of the car for 5-10% fuel savings.
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Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
40 psi may be over-inflated, but it's not bad. I run mine at 38 psi. Some owners inflate to 50 psi.
Most owners think that the recommended 32 psi is under-inflated. |
Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
Originally Posted by cbibbs
(Post 167750)
What's the point? Over inflating tires reduces rolling resistance and grip. You're trading control of the car for 5-10% fuel savings.
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Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
Originally Posted by mmrmnhrm
(Post 167755)
Say what? I run at 50psi, and my car handles *FAR* better than it ever did at 32psi. Cleaner cornering at higher speeds, better control in the rain, it's all there.
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Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
I drive a TCH - a heavier car than the HCH. The TCH also recommends 32 psi. I found that pressure too low, and increased it to 42psi (40 psi on the rears). The result was much improved handling, better braking and lower tire wear. After 36,000 miles the factory Bridgestone tires are wearing even, with slightly more wear on the edges than the centers.
The factory recommended pressure is a compromise between handling and ride comfort. A very informative article on tire pressure is Driving Under Pressure |
Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
Originally Posted by nash
(Post 167763)
A very informative article on tire pressure is Driving Under Pressure
Assuming the author is an expert, and 50 psi is right on target for a vehicle that heavy, the HCH at under 3000lbs should be significantly lower. |
Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
Originally Posted by cbibbs
(Post 167768)
...and 50 psi is right on target for a vehicle that heavy, the HCH at under 3000lbs should be significantly lower.
Bugger nash for beating me to the punch... I love linking that article when people start getting all uppity about my tires :shade: |
Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
If a complete stranger on the net told you to jump off a cliff...
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Re: Tire inflation and gas mileage
Originally Posted by spinner
(Post 167785)
If a complete stranger on the net told you to jump off a cliff...
Or the nearest available dealership lie-nance manager. |
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