Is 35 PSI too much?

Question

I went to Discount Tires to have my tire pressure checked because I couldn't get my pump to work. The guy told me he was making them 35 psi because it is hot and the pressure will lower faster than normal. On the door to my car ('06 corolla) it says the max is 30 psi. I told him this and he said that it needs to be more, but I really don't think that's right. Should I let some air out? How much should it be; even 30 is the max. according to the manufacturer.

Answer 1

that max psi number is "max COLD psi" for your tires. the manufacturer suggests a tire pressure for optimal performance for your type of vehicle. wait until the tires cool down to normal ambient temperature and check the tire pressure then. If it's more than 30 psi, let some air out. don't get too bent out of shape, the normal air pressure for a majority of cars is 35 psi. it certainly won't destroy your car if it's 5 lbs over. on the side of the tire you'll see this "max cold psi" number. see what it says. some people use a little different tire pressure for their cars, it makes the ride a little different....i.e. smoother, softer, whatever. just check the pressure when they're cold to get a correct reading, and don't use one of those cheap walmart air guages that you've dropped 15 times. it won't be very accurate. if you have access to 2 or 3 different tire guages, use all 3 and see what I mean. one guage will say 35, while the other one says 32. and check the tires more than once with the same guage, don't just check it and move on....be sure that you get the right reading.

Answer 2

Are you going to trust the people who actually built your car or some kid at Discount Tire?

If Toyota recommends 30 psi as the ideal inflation pressure for your vehicle then that is what you should use. Over-inflation causes reduced ride quality, premature tire wear and makes the tires more susceptible to damage from road hazards.

Always check pressures when the tires are "cold" - before you have driven any significant distance and preferably in the morning. Never bleed air out of a hot tire because air pressure does change with temperature.

ASE, Michelin and Bridgestone Firestone Certified Automotive Service Advisor working in the tire industry

Answer 3

The manufacturer did not make the tires they only suggest that as a pressure. Besides the guy is right the pressure is supposed to be higher in the summer and as it gets cooler you will see the pressure drop everything contracts when it gets cold. The rubber is softer in the summer because it is warmer so you need more pressure or you could blow out the tires. It is not good for the sidewalls of the tires to rub the road when you turn. He works at a tire place I am sure he knows a little more about tires than someone who has only read something.

Answer 4

On a hot day, some overinflation is appropriate, although 14% is a bit much. Get yourself a tire gauge if you don't have one, and check the pressure on a cool morning before driving the car. You can bleed the pressure to 30 PSI at that time. The sticker rating is for a cold tire at normal temperature; the pressure will increase on a hot day or with driving.

Answer 5

what he is saying is when the temperature cools down , even though he fills it at 35 psi, it will come down when cold to less than 30.
pressure varies with temperature.
when the manufacturer says 30 psi max. see at what temperature. normally 25 deg Celsius.
however the Tyre can take few say 10 percent more or less.

more pressure center of the Tyre wares out more.
less pressure ends of the Tyre ware out more.
exact pressure is not one number but a range.

Answer 6

Do whatever the sticker on the car says at COLD temperatures. The pressure on the side of the tire is part of the maximum carrying capacity. DO NOT EXCEED THIS!!
The CAR manufacturers rating is based upon proper tread contact for the WEIGHT of you car verses tire air pressure. Too much and the center of the tire will wear, and excess pressure could lead to tire explosion as it heats up. Too little and the tire wears on the outsides and quickly overheats at speed due to excess flexing. This also leads to dangerous failures. Either side of the CAR MANUFACTURERS specifications also adversely affect stopping and handling.
Good Luck

Answer 7

Are these the original tires? Most tires are 35 psi. Since it is an '06, I imagine they are the originals. The wall of the tire should say what it takes. Check the side of the tire for sure.

Answer 8

The tire itself should specify the limit of inflation. Don't go by the door on your car b/c all tires are different. If the tire itself says 30 psi, then let some air out. Remember to check your tires twice a month to maintain proper inflation.

Answer 9

discount tires is right, 35psi while the tires hot, normally the tires are should be check cold, air expands while hot 35psi just about right, buy you a cheap tire gauge at walmart around $2.00 and start checking them in the morning before driving the car, also look on the tire sidewalls for the correct pressure,

Answer 10

look at the tires, there is a max pressure written on the side wall. pump them up to about 2-3 psi below the max pressure