Changing Tire Pressure above what says on side door for fuel efficiency, does it work?

Answer 1

Dont go by what is on the car door..... that is what the car manufacturer suggests.... but all tires have different max pressures... so the car numbers are no good. I always fill my tire to 5 pounds under the max pressure and it has always worked great for me.

Answer 2

Vehicle manufacturers have teams of engineers with walls full of degrees who spend months of testing determining what tire inflation numbers should go on that door placard in order to get the optimum combination of ride, handling, mileage, load carrying capacity and wear.

Why would you go against that?

If you increase your tire pressure you may gain some very minute amount in mileage, but you may also lose cornering and braking ability and increase tire wear. That last one means you will have to replace tires more frequently, the cost of which will more than offset any negligible fuel savings you see.

For best overall performance do what the manufacturer of the vehicle recommends. Who else knows better than they do?

Answer 3

The best way to find and apply the proper air pressure in tires is to "chalk test" them. Take a piece of chalk and rub it on the tire from the center of the track (tread) to the outside of the side wall (or over the shoulder). Dive on the tire (about 100 feet) and check the chalk. The chalk should be removed across the track, but remain on the shoulder. Vary tire pressure, starting with door placard and increasing (but not exceeding tire rating), to find the optimum pressure.

Answer 4

Putting the tire pressure above what is recommended is fairly dangerous because it makes the tire sit higher on the road and takes away from the ability to get full traction. It may improve gas mileage slightly, but not enough to make a significant difference.

Answer 5

yes it works, in some cases its required. my truck for example tells me to put 32 pounds in my tires. somedays Ive got 5 psi some days 65psi.

its just like shoes, can't run from cops in flip flops
and running in sand with combat boots isn't that easy.


mark f... assuming the manufacturer knows whats best for you is completely wrong. the manufacturer makes those recommendations to 100% of the customers, do you actually think that 100% of all customers use their rigs exactly like the manufacturer pictured?

by suggesting some middle of the road number, they can keep the MAJORITY of their customers covered.

Answer 6

you will get a rougher ride but your gas mileage will increase, I usually run 40lbs. of air in my tires.

Answer 7

To add to what odieman said, it will also make your car ride harder, and wear out your shocks/struts faster...