Hi.

Ive already done a search, but I dont really have any definitive answer. I have a 02 Protege LX. In the summer, I like to increase the pressure by 2 psi from the recommended pressure for fuel economy. Should I keep the front and rear pressures equal, or would it be more beneficial to try a different combo?

More importantly, I want maximum traction for the winter when there is ice and snow. Taking temperature into account (eg. measuring the pressure when the tire is sitting out in the cold), what would be the best pressure (in your experience) to handle the winter months? Is it better to overinflate, or underinflate a little bit for the winter?

 

Nope. None of the above.

Keep the tires at recommended pressures.

Too low and you have uneven wear and higher temps and reduced fuel economy.
Too high and you have reduced traction, uneven wear and harsher ride.

Get winter tires on steelies if you need the best traction.