Winter Tire Inflation
 

I was just going over my invoice and the shop has put down the inflation on my tires at 29psi all around. Is this correct, should they not be higher?? I've never had actual winters before so I just assumed they would be at least over 36. They are strictly a tire shop and definitely are more knowlegeable than myself but just want to make sure I'm rolling ok.

Is there anyway to find out the correct inflation for the tire other than going outside, flurries just started so I'm toasty warm inside, lol. I'll check them tomorrow to make sure its not a typo.

I know I run mine at 36..

The tire will just tell you the max pressure. You can do some math based on the weight of the car, width of the tire, etc to get the 'ideal' pressure that will provide even wear.

I know from doing a lot of off-roading in the snow that reducing tire pressure a LOT aids traction when you get stuck but I'm talkin like 10psi or so.

^ Upon some further reading, I found out in the winter that tires increase by approx. 3psi from a cold tire to a rolling tire, approx, 1 mile. So they would be at 32psi but max is 50 psi on that particular tire on full load. I thought they were a bit mushy so i'm going to check them tomorrow and put them at 35 cold if not, them just keep an eye on them.

For winter tires, I run 30-32 lbs in each (p5, 15 inch wheels). I always though that a lower pressure=more contact on the road=not going into the ditch when its snowing.

I just checked them. One was at 38, 37,36,30. Put them at 38 cold and they drive much better now that they are all equal.

38 lbs!!!:shocking: Isn't that a bit much

nah it's all good. Running 34 pounds (and 40+ when autocrossing) my tires actually wore on the outside more than the inside (a sign of underinflation). It of course depends on the car and the tire.

They rose to 40 after driving around so I put them down to 36. The tire on load is suppose to be set to 50, so I think 36 will be good with no snow on the ground and when it snows I'll put them down to 32. It's an XL (extra load) tire.