Do you think tire pressure being too high can reduce traction on acceleration?

Question

I had Michelin PS2's before and ran them at about 35psi, which I guess was low. Now I have Yokohama's and they're at about 45. I can't floor it in 1st gear without loosing the back end or the traction control kicking in. This didn't seem to be true before. So I'm wondering if it is the tires, the pressure or maybe it's winter time now. I am in California so I'm not sure if 50 degrees vs. 80 degrees will make that much difference. I'm driving an M3 by the way.

Answer 1

It's both pressure and temperature.

Higher tire pressure makes the tire more rigid, which decreases the size of the contact patch...the area of tire that is deformed as it presses against the road, thus putting it in CONTACT with the road surface.

Lower temperatures make the rubber harder, so it doesn't sink into the contours of the road as much, and doesn't grip as well.

Something else to pay attention to is the temperature at which you filled the tires to begin with, compared to the temperature now. When it heats up, your pressure goes up, when it cools down, your pressure goes down. (Granted, in the latter case, it rises as the temperature of the tires increases as you drive) I once filled my tires to about 35 psi in December (about 40-50 degrees F), then didn't check them until August (around 100). I was WAAAAY over-pressure.

Anyhow, you should check at least every couple of months. Fill your tires to either whatever the manufacturer of the CAR recommends (in the owner's manual), or whatever the manufacturer of the TIRES recommends (on the sidewall), whichever is lower.

Answer 2

Overinflating a tyre will result in poor traction and excessive tyre wear,45lbs sounds way too high! Temperature plays an important part as well. At 80 degrees the rubber will be much more pliable and therefor offer more grip. Different makers use different compounds as well which can affect traction too.
Check your car's handbook for the correct pressures.
Also bear in mind your driving an M3! Big horsepower/heavy foot=wheelspin!

Answer 3

Yes it could be that they are too high. Just because the tire states 45 psi max., doesn't mean that is how much air to put in them. The correct pressure is posted on the inflation decal usually stuck to the door or door jamb.

Answer 4

yes it sure will if its too high it makes the tire real stiff,and wont allow it to function like it was designed to do,when you check those make sure the tire is cold and hasn't been drove any for that day,once they get drove the air pressure rises in them and you wont get an accurate reading on them,always check them cold,and that will give the best reading on them,that could be whats causing that too happen,good luck with it,and merry x-mas.