Lexusfreak

I was suprised to learn that the 01' ES is recommended to put 26 psi in the tires........doesen't that seem a bit low for that vehicle? I usually have 30 - 32 psi in my cars. Any thoughts &/or opinions?

lexusk8

I'm not sure where you got the 26 psi rating from. The cold tire pressure rating for my '01 ES is 32 psi. However I've been putting 34 psi in my tires just for this winter season since more air can slowly leak out due to the colder weather.

Lexusfreak

Intresting......thats what I figured it should be & I asked the question to Lexus Canada as well. I guess the person I asked the question to had a brain cramp I usually put a couple pounds more in during the winter to allow for the cold temperatures as well. So 32 psi is in fact the "factory" recomended tire pressure for the 205 60 16 tires?

lexusk8

That's right, it's also mentioned in the owner's manual and the sticker on either the driver's door jamb or the glovebox (can't remember).

Lexusfreak

Many thanks for clearing this issue up for me lexusk8 it's appreciated.

mmarshall

Unless you have an actual leak or defect in the tire, bead, or valve stem, air does not simply leak out due to cold weather. No.......what happens is that as the air inside the tire cools, its pressure decreases roughly at the rate of 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Farenheit. Tires also warm up quickly as you drive. This is why the pressure recommendations are for COLD tires....meaning less than 1 mile on them from startup.
I agree that the 26 PSI seems low....even for a car like the ES that is designed for a smooth ride rather than high-G cornering. 26 PSI will indeed give you a smooth ride, but it will probably wear the tires out in the center of the tread and add to heat buildup.....and you can forget any real cornering.

mmarshall

Sorry...I said 26 PSI would wear the tires on the center of the tread....I meant the sides of the tread.