Toyota Prius: Optimal Tire Pressure

What is the current thinking on this? (Mine's a 2001)

"Steve Giannoni" <net> wrote in message
news:com... 

Harden 'em up too much and you will damage them.

A few pounds over the recommended pressure is probably best.

Steve Giannoni <net> wrote:
 

Maximum sidewall pressure on the front tires and 2-3 psi lower in the
rear tires.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

Steve Giannoni <net> wrote: 

I don't really buy this 'maximum pressure' guideline. Tires are part of
the suspension of your car. By filling them up to a point where they
can't compress any more, you're letting lots of harshness through to the
bushings and springs. Less comfort - which you may be ok with - and more
wear on the bushings. And less roadholding and longer braking distances.

Mine came from the dealer with huge overpressure, and I let it off
gradually till it became driveable in my eyes. I think I even save gas
driving it that way, because cornering speeds are higher, so I don't
have to brake as much ;-)

cu
.\\arc

Marc Gerges <com> wrote:
 

The studies I've followed, "Transportation Research Board Special Report
286, Tires and Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy" indicates the more a tire
is inflated, the lower the hysterisys losses and deformation during
driving. This leads to crisper steering and handling.

Another report is DOT HS 809428 "Preliminary Findings of the Effect of
Tire Inflation Pressure on the Peak and Side Coefficients of Friction."
Although maximum cold pressure was not in their data, it gives a good
indication of what to avoid.

So far, I have had no problems running 51/49 on my Sumatomo T4s and have
gotten very good wear reports from the tire rotations. It looks like
I'll get all of the project miles and perhaps a few more.

Bob Wilson

In article <1i9mhp6.vsbn1vhsswrzN%com>,
com (Bob & Holly Wilson) wrote:
 

No, it doesn't.

That's ridiculous.

So if I inflate my tires to 100psi, by your take I should have the
handling and steering of an F1 car?

Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote: 

It certainly would. After inflating to 100psi, you'd have the handling
and steering of any car with exploded tires.

Bob & Holly Wilson <com> wrote: 

Within limits that's correct. More pressure results in stiffer
sidewalls, giving crisper handling. I've found the 'sweet spot' on mine
(standard Michelin tires) at around 2.6-2.8 bar.

OTOH, my real world driving has many less than perfect road surfaces,
and especially smaller ripples are no fun with this tire pressure. Light
braking may even activate the anti lock system, and cornering makes the
car wander to the outside. By lowering pressure to around 2.4 that
tendency is completely gone, the car feels considerably safer at
comparable speeds. I have around 2.2 at the rear tires, because it make
the car somewhat less front heavy. This is with light load, usually only
driver or driver plus one passenger.

If your driving is mostly smooth roads and highways, higher pressure may
work.

cu
.\\arc