Re: Two Issues on Tire Pressure (archive)

Thanks. I don't take tires lightly as I know that safety is their first function before performance. I just wanted to make sure that there weren't be any issues with slightly lower tire pressures in these cars. (Don't want any Ford Explorer-like incidents where everyone'd arguing about lower tire pressures, heat buildup, high center of gravity, etc...cracks me up). It does make sense that these cars should have high quality tires as they are both good performers and heavy.

The car came with some no-name brand (Guardian) that's made in China. Didn't notice the max. pressure until I was checking tire pressures the other day. Didn't even cross my mind, just always assumed people would put decent tires that were up to the task on these expensive cars. Will check the load rating and go scream at the dealer if all doesn't check out. Thanks again for the info.

Rocker,
The tire weight rating should be OVER 1600 lbs. This is ESSENTIAL. These cars are heavy and "spirited driving" could cause tire temperatures to rise beyond the tires design limits, creating a dangerous situation. Higher pressures and higher weight loads simultaneously need to be anticipated and designed for. Make sure your tires can handle both.

The inflated pressure I recommend to 33-34 lbs all around. I have found the higher pressure in the back wears the tires unevenly, with the center of the tread wearing before the edges. I found this despite two track events where I expected to see cornering wear. The front tires displayed the cornering wear and the rears did not. The rears only showed excessive wear in the center part of the tread. So I am going with 34 all around.

Simeon

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