Things to consider
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,430
From: Phoenix, AZ
Re: Things to consider
Originally Posted by WVGasGuy
Besides common sense, a degree in civil engineering (highways emphasis) and reading car magazines for 40 years I offer these quick references.
From NADA
http://www.nada.org/PrinterTemplate....ontentID=14267
Check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Remember underinflation is a tire’s number one enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. However, overinflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual as a guide. Always check the pressure of your tires when they are cool or cold. Driving heats up tires and make the reading incorrect.
From GM:
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/...ou/manual.html
If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Car and Driver
http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyaut...fety-tips.html
However, overinflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.
From NADA
http://www.nada.org/PrinterTemplate....ontentID=14267
Check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Remember underinflation is a tire’s number one enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. However, overinflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual as a guide. Always check the pressure of your tires when they are cool or cold. Driving heats up tires and make the reading incorrect.
From GM:
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/...ou/manual.html
If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Car and Driver
http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyaut...fety-tips.html
However, overinflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.
I drove my HCH for 24,000+ miles with overinflated tires, and I had none of the negative issues listed above. The World's Greatest Hypermiler has untold numbers of miles on all his vehicles with overinflated tires, and he has none of these issues.
My guess it that some of the recommendations referenced above are outdated and that tires today adapt better to running at higher inflation levels than in the olden days.
My caveat is that each person needs to do what they feel is best for them. For me personally, I like the 1-2 MPG bump I get with overinflation enough to stick with it for the long term. If I ever have to replace unevenly worn tires early, I might reconsider, but for now, I'm going with what suits ME best.
I urge each person who reads this to do the same.
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Jason
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Jun 5, 2005 09:21 AM
