Should I under-inflate my tires to compensate for driving pressure increase?

Question

My tires are 44 psi max. Should I under-inflate them to compensate for the increase in psi caused while driving? If so, how much? Is it bad to fill the tires to the max psi?

Answer 1

Your tires may have a MAXIMUM inflation pressure of 44 psi but where do you get the idea that is what you should be inflating them too?  That is a safety warning, not a recommendation.

Tire pressures should always be set while the tires are cold and tires should always be inflated to what the vehicle manufacturer recommends, NOT to what it says on the side of the tire.  Recommended inflation pressure is different for each vehicle and the information can typically be found in the owners manual or on the vehicle information tag inside the drivers door frame or on some models inside the glovebox door, fuel door or under the center console lid.

44 psi for most passenger cars would be considered grossly overinflated.  Overinflated tires will wear faster and unevenly resulting in premature replacement.  They also offer less contact with the road and thus less traction and longer stopping distances, reduced ride quality and are more prone to impact damage from pot holes and curbs.

Answer 2

duigan is actually correct. It is extremely unusual for car tires to be run at more than about 32 psi (motorcycles are often around the 40 psi mark). The max tire pressure indication does not take into consideration the weight of the car or weight distribution front to back. The pressure indicated by the car manufacturer in the owner's manual allows for normal heating, and consequential increase in pressure, while driving. However, car manufacturers often advise a pressure about 2 psi lower than optimal so that you get a smoother ride. If you over inflate the tires (eg 44 psi)  you get excessive wear in the center of the tread (requiring more frequent replacement) and you also minimise the contact patch when braking (reducing grip and increasing the tendency to skid). So, go to the car owner's manual and add 2 psi to the pressure indicated therein and all will be sweet.

Answer 3

Don't listen to duigan he has no idea what he's talking about! For example my tires are 50psi max. I can't believe some peoples lack of common sense when it comes to some things, obviously different tires will have different max psi ratings, duh! As far as your question goes, think about it a little for a minute. Don't you think that if 44 is the max listed on the tire but by putting in 44 psi in it causes it to blow out once it warms up that they'd be getting sewed left and right and you would be seeing it in the news every day? Don't you remember car manufacturers getting sewed when they told customers to under inflate their tires because it was causing suv's to flip over? So, obviously, if the tire says 44 it should be run at no more than 44. And when gas is as high as it is it shouldn't be run any lower either. Peace!

Answer 4

no that is all taken into consideration when they determine max pressure

Answer 5

44psi is way to high to be driving on

You should have an air pressure tag near the drivers door striker plate

Should be around 30-32 psi

Add 2psi for better fuel consumption