Running tyres at higher than normal pressure?

woody33 · 27-07-2009 5:29pm #1

Anyone running their tyres at higher than normal for economy or handling reasons? VW say my little Polo should be 30/30 front/rear for normal driving and 34/42 for load or speed. Slightly higher front pressure should help the lack of power steering it seems to me. At the moment I have about 34/34 and yes, I measure it at cold at home with my digital gauge. I don't want to wear out the centre of the thread all the same.

sundodger5 · 27-07-2009 10:18pm

if you run them at higher pressure you also affect the tyres contact patch with the road. less grip. that is why they will wear in the middle.

blackbox · 27-07-2009 10:55pm

sundodger5 wrote: »

if you run them at higher pressure you also affect the tyres contact patch with the road. less grip. that is why they will wear in the middle.

Not true with radial tyres unless you use ridiculous pressure.

For competition or track days you run tyres at higher pressures to IMPROVE grip and reduce overheating due to flexing.

Manufacturers recommended pressures are usually the lowest pressures at which the tyres are safe in order to maximise comfort.

If manufacturer recommends 34/42 for load or speed, go for it unless the ride is too uncomfortable.

sundodger5 · 27-07-2009 11:00pm

so if pressure high they wear in the middle, if pressure low they wear on the shoulders. if just right the tyre wears evenly.
so which of the above is giving the best contact patch.
hint...... If it does not touch the road it can not wear.

mickdw · 27-07-2009 11:02pm

More pressure will make the steering easier if you dont have the power steering. As for grip etc, you will work out whats best with a little experimentation

JHMEG · 27-07-2009 11:06pm

I do, at the expense of some comfort.

30/32 is from the factory, I run at 40. Tyres are rated for 51. As said radial tyres are reinforced so they don't change geometry once they're beyond a certain pressure.

Some police depts in the US run the tyres on police cars max pressure for the stated reasons (handling/economy).

[Best contact patch is at very low pressure, like 6 psi, but only useful for getting you out of snow etc]

sundodger5 · 28-07-2009 10:49pm

JHMEG wrote: »

I do, at the expense of some comfort.

30/32 is from the factory, I run at 40. Tyres are rated for 51. As said radial tyres are reinforced so they don't change geometry once they're beyond a certain pressure.

Some police depts in the US run the tyres on police cars max pressure for the stated reasons (handling/economy).

[Best contact patch is at very low pressure, like 6 psi, but only useful for getting you out of snow etc]

If they do not change geometry why are you worried aboult them wearing in the middle?

Running tyres at higher than normal pressure?

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