What's the best tire pressure?

Question

I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado ext. cab. I'm wondering what is the best tire pressure for the best gas mileage. The manufacturer suggests 35psi cold but the tire say's 44psi cold.

Answer 1

The tire says 44 psi MAXIMUM. That is the tires not-to-exceed cold inflation pressure. That in no way implies a recommendation to inflate it that high.

Vehicle manufacturers do hundreds of thousands of miles of road testing and computer analysis to determine the best inflation pressures for your particular vehicle for ride, handling, braking, mileage, wear, ;pad capacity, etc. You should follow those recommendations. Maximum load carrying capacity for your tire is achieved at 35 psi by the way (says that on the sidewall too). You gain absolutely nothing in load capacity going over 35 psi.

Over-inflating the tires will cause them to wear out prematurely - absolutely wiping out the pennies you may have saved on gas - and makes the tires more prone to damage from road hazards.

Stick to Chevy's recommended inflation pressure.

PS

Go ahead and call the tire manufacturer, any tire manufacturer. They will tell you the same thing I just did. Heck, I'll save you the trouble. You probably have Bridgestone Dueler A/T D693's on your truck. That's the main OE tire on 07' models. Here is what is says in the Bridgestone Tire Resource Manual, 2007 edition:

"Adjusting the inflation to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure is extremely important. Proper inflation pressure is essential to vehicle handling, overall tire performance and load carrying capability."

All the other brands, and I mean ALL of them say the same thing.

Nuff said.

ASE, Bridgestone/Firestone and Michelin/BFG Certified Automotive Service Manager working in the tire industry

Answer 2

All car and truck manufactures want the general soft back-side public to be as "comfortable" as possible. Call any tire manufacturer and see what they have to say. Tire companies know tires. Not the other way around. I have a couple of instances for you. My 04 Toyota Camry calls for mushy 29 lb. tire pressure. The sidewall says 44 psi. The dealer stuck in 35 psi. when the car was new. I noticed shoulder wear so I increased ti to 40 psi. Handles better and tires are wearing perfect.
I purchased a set of Yokohama TRZ tires from tirerack.com. for another car. Sidewall says 44 psi. Door post says a sickening soft 33 psi. The car always under-steered like a dead cow in a creek. I called Yokohama in CA. and inquired about the sidewall posted tire pressure. Since I'd planned to inflate with nitrogen pressures wouldn't change as much with increased tire temps. They said: There's plenty margin for error at 44 psi., it was perfectly fine to increase the tire pressure. WOW! what a difference a few pounds will do. No more excessive under-steer, less body roll and a ton less *rolling resistance.

Answer 3

The lower pressure assumes that you want a more comfortable ride back and forth to work. And 35 PSI is more than adequate.

The maximum pressure listed ont he side of the tire is listed for two reasons:

1. So you do not over inflate the tire.
2. If you intend to load the truck to its maximum cargo weight.

If you don't pump up the tire to the maximum pressure listed on the side of the tire and you load the truck down with 1,000 pounds (1/2 ton) or 1,500 pounds (3/4 ton) or 2,000 pounds (1 ton) the tires will suffer excessive fatigue and wear and tear.

The highest pressure listed on the tire will give you the highest MPG's but a stiffer ride.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

check the tires it is stamped on the side the max tire pressure for the type of tire. for gas mileage use the max pressure.if you want a soft ride use a little lower pressure. the factory uses a pressure that is for the average of both worlds.
if you go over the max rated pressure you risk damage to the tires.

Answer 5

Remember the whole Ford Explorer and the Firestone Wilderness AT tires? Stick with what the tire says.

Answer 6

The tire mfgr has no idea to what application the tire will be applied. Go with the auto mfgr suggestion.

Answer 7

The best gas mileage would be with the higher number. It will give less roll resistance.

Answer 8

Car recomends it? new tires check the side of Tire on tire... fill 1/2 pound less if cold hot fill to limit...

Answer 9

35psi.In the cold it will go down cause of heat increases presure cold decreses presure,i say go with 35 to 40 psi.

Answer 10

i would stick with what the tire says.