electro992

I usually keep mine at 32, but I noticed this weekend that the glovebox says 26. Can someone give me a quick synopsis of the pros/cons of varying tire pressures? So far I have had no problems with my tires at 32 psi, but would there be something gained if I lowered the pressure closer to the recommendation? This is for a 96 with standard rims and tires. Thanks.

lexusk8

32 psi should be the recommended tire pressure on the ES. I believe the 26 psi is stated if there are 4 passengers and some cargo in the vehicle. Low tire pressure can cause excessive wear, poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and the possibility of blowouts from overheated tires.

Dr.Savage

First, check the side of the tire for max pressure.(most are 44lbs.these days)
I have found that running 2 lbs from the max in front and 4 lbs from the max in the back is usually best.
Take a piece of chalk and draw a line across the tread of each tire and drive it for a few minutes and then check how the line wears off.
If the center shows more wear then you have too much air,if the edges are more worn then you need more air.
You want the line to wear evenly across the tread.
I have managed to get 40K+ miles(one with no rotation!) from original tires on several cars using this method.
Obviously,driving habits (sporty,never checking pressure) can greatly reduce that.

mmarshall

DROP the tire pressure 6 PSI with a load of passengers and cargo? Strange...usually it's the other way around...with a load you should give it a few extra PSI. Are you sure you don't have it backwards?
Having said that, overinflation can also be harmful.....it bulges out the center of the tire and makes the tire very hard, thereby reducing cornering power by only allowing the center of the tread to hit the road, knocking rattles and squeaks into the body structure, transmitting hard shocks to the suspension and steering systems, and generally making for an unpleasant ride.

Toysrme

Grandad was an engeneer at the Goodyear planet in Gadsten, AL for 40 years.
Run 2-4PSI over the car's recommended pressure to get maximum fuel economy Summer, or winter.

lexusk8

I heard the same too. At the beginning of this year, my stock tires have been kept at 34 psi (with pressure checks done once every month), and my fuel economy has improved by between 1 and 2 mpg (even with some aggressive driving once in a while, and A/C turned on all times).

Toysrme

Do not worry about pressure building up. 1, notice most tires in the sedan class will run 44psi.
2 he told me in the '70's tests were done in death valley, to see what kinds of conditions lead to pressure buildup and failure.

Highway speeds in 110f+ conditions do not lead to buildup, only extreme driving. <cough> track

mmarshall

Yes, that is true...gas mileage will go up slightly with overinflation, but that is because the tire will bulge out in the middle and put LESS rubber on the road, causing less rolling friction but degrading handling, giving a rougher ride, and transmitting harsh shocks to the steering and suspension systems. Just 1 or 2 PSI extra probably won't make much difference but 4 PSI may be pushing it.
Regarding the earlier post.....the 44 PSI maximum on the sidewall is the maximum figure the tire can safely handle without rupturing, NOT the figure that the auto manufacturer recommends. And 44 PSI WILL give you a ROUGH ride, guaranteed.

mmarshall

Remember, too, when you are checking your tires.....pressure will go up or down roughly 1 PSI with every 10 degrees of air temperature. Try and check your tires cold ( with less than 1 mile on them from a cold start..they heat up quickly after that ). That is the intention with the factory recommended pressures.

Toysrme

Which is exactly opposite of what I said.

I don't want to argue, but I think that I am right.
I have not added air to my tires since winter and they're all still at 36 PSI

LexusDaisy

I got a set of premium Bridgestones (Turanza or something like that) last year for my ES300, and have always kept the preasure at 34. I have them rotated every 3000 miles. The tire place tells me that all 4 tires are wearing perfectly even. They ride great and have outstanding grip, both wet and dry.

These are on the stock size wheels. This wheel/tire combo performs so well, I cannot see why anyone would screw a car up with larger diameter thinner tires. Admittedly, they do look better, but I doubt they can match my ride/performance qualities. Any comments?

93lexuses

I also heard the same thing so we keep my tires at 34psi as well.

mmarshall

Are you happy with the ride at 34 PSI? Pennsylvania has a LOT of ROUGH roads from the severe winters there...especially up near Lake Erie. Of all the states I have been to, only northeast Ohio and Michigan are worse for rough roads.

93lexuses

You are right about the Pennsylvania roads. They are very rough, but i am comfortable with my tires at 34.