Is it good to have your PSI levels on your tires at the max or somewhere below?

Question

I hear its better for your gas tank to have the tires full, but when I am in the parking lot my tires screech always unless my tires are full. But when I get my oil changed at 76 they always have my back tires at or near the max and my front tires at about half psi. The psi level on my truck is 41. I have a chevy silverado 2003.

Answer 1

inflate your tires to the manufacturers recommendation. The spec will be in the owners manual, and also on a label affixed to the driver side door jamb. I own the same year truck and I keep my pressure at 34 psi.

Answer 2

I try and run my car and truck at close to max. I take into allowance the increase in pressure due to heating of the tires during long trips. I try and run about 3 lbs short of max pressure. This would be 41 lbs front and rear. You give up a little on the ride softness, but with the cost of gas, I try and get the best mpg that I can. good luck.

Answer 3

It is best to follow the recommendation in the owners manual. This recommendation is based upon the weight of your vehicle. The rating on the tire is maxium and minimum safety average for the tire alone.
Proper air pressure will extend the wear of your tire render the optimal performance & safety, and give you the best mileage.
Screeching tires "when not very new" is mostly from bad/poor alignment.

Answer 4

Tires with higher pressure tend to roll easier. If the tires are wearing evenly you're OK to run them at max pressure... but if the center tread wears out before the tread closer to the side walls cut back on the pressure. You're going to have to experiment.

Answer 5

Drive your car for about 10 minutes to warm them up, then top off the air pressure to max. Tires may be screeching due to alignment or type of pavement you are on.