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I usually add a couple of PSIs in the winter but since I'm bringing it to Costco (so I can add Nitrogen instead of regular air), tire techs might insist on 32 PSI as posted on the door.
What tire pressure do you use for your winter tires, same as the all-season?
I have 40K on my 235's. For 39K miles I followed the 33 PSI (cold) religiously (regardless of winter/summer). The tires have been wearing well (5/32" remaining at 41K); however, the edges have worn significantly quicker than the middle of the tread - and for my next set, I'll be setting the cold pressure at 36 PSI (or more) - to avoid wearing the edges of the tires so quickly.
Consider this: Winter potholes are tough on wheels - so raising tire pressures in winter may result in a rougher ride - but may save a bent wheel or blown sidewall in a tire.
As the outdoor temperature / tire temperature changes the tire pressure will change. I set my pressure based on the lower temps we typically encounter. For every 10 degrees of tire temp change the tire pressure will change by 1 psi. This is true whether you use (regular air) 80% nitrogen or 100% nitrogen.
When I lived in WI, and would have my car serviced by Lexus, I pointed that the pressure they typically set was based on a warm tire in a 68 degree garage. My winter nights would frequently see temps dropping to below zero. I always would ask them to inflate to 36 psi in the winter months. I'd bleed off the excess psi as the season warmed. They would always comply with my request.
Now here in FL, I haven't seen a low temperature below 70 in the past 8 months, lol.
After the drive to Costco your tires will be very warm and will read several pounds higher than the cold recommended pressure on the door panel chart. I agree with the above posts and would have them inflated to at least 36 pounds, maybe even 40 so you can bleed them down the next morning.
OEM Low Rolling Resistance Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400 on a '13 RXh AWD (they get awful reviews on Tirerack.com - but they did an outstanding job in Michigan's last two winters. I picked up a 10/32 bolt in one just Saturday.
5/32" of tread life remaining isn't worth much when you take a 10/32 bolt right in the middle of the weak spot. Plugged and patched - it will serve for another two months - when I'll replace them all with something.
12-28-15, 07:36 AM
Tire pressure for winter
