Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

[dlvgolf]

I have a 05 T-bird anniversary addition. The tire pressure sticker says 31 PSI when cold. The tires say 44 psi.
Which is right?

The tires on the car are what came on the car:
Pilot HX MXM4
XSE 235/50 R17

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

Pressure Label on the Tire is Maximum. Personally I run mine high. Harder tire, better role, better mpg. I run at 35 when cold.

[Harry's Platinum 04]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

David --the pressure on the sticker is the recommended pressure to use--the pressure listed on the tire is the maximum pressure for the maximum rated tire load.
Hope this helps
Harry

[DavidA]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

For the best ride, use the sticker number. For slightly beeter mileage, but a slightly rougher ride, go up to 34-35 pounds. Any higher than that and the car really starts to get skiddish. I run my oversize tires at 32-33 pounds and find that best for me. WHen I had the OEMs on, I ran 30 which was what the sticker suggested. They lasted about 65,000 miles at 30 pounds. Not too shabby.

Incidentally, when re ran on Halit, some of us lowered the pressure to about 25 pounds for more stick on the track, but aired them back up before we left.

[blue731]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

others gave good advice. Run the sticker psi over the tire psi.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

On most any car I've owned, I've alway kept the tires inflated to 40 PSI. The ride and performance always feels pretty comfortable to me at that level.

[Icebluebird]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

I agree with BirdsAndBugs about the tire pressure at 40. That is what I use.

DavidA, what size tires are you running? Thanks

[DavidA]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

I'm running 235/55x17 Michelines. OEM were 235/50

[cursorofold]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

Presumably, Ford did a good job determining the optimal pressure to use for the tire the car came with. (I wouldn't bet the farm on that statement).

They cannot know the optimal pressure for any tire you choose.

There is not a cut and dry answer to this. Dealers always believe the sticker on the car. But it depends on the tire as well. We have an Excursion. The sticker says 45 PSI. This worked well with the factory tires, which had a max pressure of 60. The current tires have a max of 80 and do not work well at 45. When we turn sharp at slow speed, the tires make horrible sounds, as if the sidewall is rolling over. If they are inflated on up to 60, this stops.

The "right" pressure is a combination of ride and handling characteristics that is both tire and car dependent. Not easy to determine, and there are no cut-and-dry answers.

If you are not using a factory original tire, it depends on the tire.

[5bird7]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

If you read further on the tire - here's the actual statement molded into the OEM tires.

Michelin Tire is embossed as follows:

Max 44psi; "never inflate more than 40psi to seat
bead" "Follow owner's manual or placard in
vehicle"

[Treken]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

30 PSI (sticker suggested) will give you a smother ride. Big difference from 30 to 36 as far as smooth or rough ride. True, they may wear out a little faster but worth the comfort. I replaced my tires before the tread wore out anyways, because of age (past the 6 year tire life).

[bwlewis]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

When we run our training cars hard, the pressure is bumped up to 40psi cold (Goodyear Eagle RSA) and haven't had one come off the rim as had occurred in the past. Personally I run 32psi cold all year. Ride is a little harder, but the 'bird handles a little better.

[FEsTbird]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

In town I use 30psi--smooths out the bumps. On the road, I run about 33psi for better gas mileage. I think Michelin has a web site that gives advice about tire pressure according to the various tire speed ratings.

[Lindy]

Re: Tire Pressure on sticker different than on Tire

Hi, I follow Dot's advice of the 32 psi (I think in the door jam states 30psi). Also see the following general advice:

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-care...pressure-tips/

Check mine every other month and use a small Bleack & Decker pump set to 32 psi where it automatically stops. Works great!

Good luck,

--Lindy