Can anyone reccomend a good tire pressure for my p5? I'm riding on my second set of Dunlop SP 5000's. My Dad said around 31-32 psi is a good pressure, but I just wanted a second opinion.

Thanks, Brad.

 

Start with factory recommended pressures if you have the OE size tires. Additional pressure will reduce the size of the contact patch, but (up to a point) make be useful for tuning the car because of the increased sidewall stiffness. Front drivers often handle better with 2 to 4 pounds add'l in the front tires...but you have to experiment. Make changes in 2lb increments.

 

the recommended pressure is on a sticker on the driver side door in case you dont know, you have to open the door to see it.

 

32 front, 35 rear. This will give a smooth ride and good gas mileage.

 

I run 35 front and 32 rear on our ES. I run 32 (f) and 29 (r) on our awd car.

 

i like a little larger footprint on the front tires since they do all of the acceleration steering and 70% of the braking. The rears I like to put a little extra in to have less rubber on the road dragging.

 

Well what is the recomended pressures for a protege with larger wheels? I read somewhere you should raise the pressure a little higher.

 

wheels are wheels...if you go to a lower profile tire something 45 series or so you should probably step up to about 36-40psi.

 

Good then, cus ive been running about 38.

And by bigger wheels I was meaning lower profile tires. Im all about keeping the tire's original diameter.
One thing though, Ive never understood why people describe tires by their aspect ratio.

 

I describe it by aspect ratio because when someone says "low profile" they could mean a 50 series?? I don't consider that low but to some it is. The aspect ratio tells you the relation of the sidewall height to it's width. This gives you an idea of the overall size of the wheel.

 

I guess when you're dealing with a limited range of tires its ok to describe them by the aspect ratio. But something like a tire with a 305 width and 50 aspect ratio isnt exactly "low profile" The wheel's diameter also has alot to do with determining whether the tire is "low profile" or not, so im still
(I really need to go to sleep) - lol

 

wheel diameter has nothing to do with it. If you're trying to determine how "low profile" the tire is all you need to know is the width and the aspect ratio. a 225/45/16 has the exact same sidewall height as a 225/45/17. It will look different though due to the increase in wheel height.

 

Woops, I really was tired. You're right on that one...