When I was growing up, my dad taught me to inflate the tires on the car to the pressure specified on the tire itself, which was always 35psi. I thought the tires even said to inflate to 35psi.

The new GoodYear Aquatred IIIs I bought for my wife's car says 44psi max pressure, but don't say "inflate to 44psi".

When I checked the pressure, they were all around 33psi.

I called the place I bought the tires, and they said they fill the tires according to what the vehicle specifies.

HUH?

Since when does the vehicle specify what a tire's pressure is?

I checked, and the vehicle does specify 30psi front, 29psi rear.

I assume this is an attempt to keep the contact patch equal, but is this a new thing?

Dave

I think it's been done like that for a while..... I think you're right, it's mainly to compensate for uneven weight front/rear. It might also have to do with handling, and for sure ride, too....

Isn't that one of the problems with the Ford/Firestone issue? Ford specified a pressure (i think 24 in the rear) on the explorers and firestone wanted it higher.

My 255/60 BFGs on the chevelle I've had at 32 for the street for a long time, mostly because they are pretty spongy side to side with less. ( I lower them at the track a bit) But I don't think they should be that high normally because the center of the tread is wearing out much faster than the edges....... ahhh, what can you do? ;)

chris

Dave,
If you read the tire sidewall closely, you will see that it says "max load xxxxlbs at xxpsi" The Pressure shown on the tire is for the maximum load carrying capacity. The vehicle sticker is always the correct inflation pressure. If you read the owners manual, I am almost certain it will tell you that if you are carrying a higher load etc to increase the pressure some.
Hope this helps,

Dave,
Here is a quote from the Goodyear site:
"Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in your owner's manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a door post or on the inside of the glovebox door. Always check inflation when tires are COLD: when the vehicle has been driven less than a mile or one hour or more after driving."