Am I over-inflating my tires if I put in the maximum allowable psi of air?
Dear Car Talk | Apr 01, 1995
Dear Tom and Ray:
Earl
RAY: Even though there are three tow truck drivers serving as top advisors to President Clinton on matters of sub-atomic partical acceleration theory, I don't think this particular guy gave you very good advice, Earl.
TOM: 44 pounds per square inch (psi) is the maximum ALLOWABLE pressure. Any more than that, and the tire could blow up! That's different from the "recommended" pressure, which is probably 35psi or less.
RAY: It's like speed, Earl. The maximum speed of your car may be 110 miles per hour. But nobody recommends you DRIVE it 110 miles an hour. The "recommended" speed may be 55 miles per hour.
TOM: If your tires are the same size as your original tires, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendation for tire inflation. That inflation number is usually posted on the inside pillar of the driver's door or inside the glove box.
RAY: Over-inflating your tires can be dangerous. It gives you poorer handling and poorer braking, not to mention faster, and more uneven tire wear. So listen to the manufacturer, Earl. By recommending a ridiculously high tire pressure to you, that tow truck driver may have just been trying to drum up future towing business.....yours!
Earl
RAY: Even though there are three tow truck drivers serving as top advisors to President Clinton on matters of sub-atomic partical acceleration theory, I don't think this particular guy gave you very good advice, Earl.
TOM: 44 pounds per square inch (psi) is the maximum ALLOWABLE pressure. Any more than that, and the tire could blow up! That's different from the "recommended" pressure, which is probably 35psi or less.
RAY: It's like speed, Earl. The maximum speed of your car may be 110 miles per hour. But nobody recommends you DRIVE it 110 miles an hour. The "recommended" speed may be 55 miles per hour.
TOM: If your tires are the same size as your original tires, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendation for tire inflation. That inflation number is usually posted on the inside pillar of the driver's door or inside the glove box.
RAY: Over-inflating your tires can be dangerous. It gives you poorer handling and poorer braking, not to mention faster, and more uneven tire wear. So listen to the manufacturer, Earl. By recommending a ridiculously high tire pressure to you, that tow truck driver may have just been trying to drum up future towing business.....yours!
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