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lookupthesky Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:347 Points:197,695 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 11, 2011 11:22:44 AM Ignore lookupthesky Report Abuse My dad told me he over inflated his SUV for the summer because he want to save more gas and it is safer to over inflate in summer because dry weather. He told me its the differences of $5/25miles per fill up. I am tempting to do this see if it works.

lookupthesky

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New Jersey

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Message Posted: May 11, 2011 11:22:44 AM

Ignore lookupthesky Report Abuse

My dad told me he over inflated his SUV for the summer because he want to save more gas and it is safer to over inflate in summer because dry weather. He told me its the differences of $5/25miles per fill up. I am tempting to do this see if it works.

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golfer7332 Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:206 Points:76,290 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 1, 2012 7:42:53 PM Ignore golfer7332 Report Abuse From my own experience driven mostly highway, 2psi over is the limit. I try with higher inflation. There is no noticeable wear at first. But after A few thousand miles, the wear in the middle starts to show. Inorder to even the wear, that means I have to under inflation to achieve it. For the few penny I gain for over inflation, I lose it subsequently. Not worth the effort. That was with a SUV. With my turbo car, I also over inflat to get better mileage. The tire worn out even faster after a few hundred miles driven mostly around town. The handling was harsh and jittery. With 1200$ for a set of tires, I am sure won't do that again.
P_dub Rookie Author Phoenix Posts:18 Points:32,985 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 27, 2011 11:59:41 PM Ignore P_dub Report Abuse I believe it would be unsafe during the summer cause of the risk of a blowout. Also, its not over inflation if you are right at the max air pressure listed on the side wall of your tires.
lookupthesky Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:347 Points:197,695 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 25, 2011 9:49:15 AM Ignore lookupthesky Report Abuse I have drivent 500miles within the last 2 weeks and i do notice that the MPG was 21.5mpg to 23.6 mpg. So far it helps ALOT and no sign of "EXTRA" wear and tear. I only increase 2psi.
Bodiney Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,006 Points:196,050 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: May 24, 2011 2:30:42 PM Ignore Bodiney Report Abuse I do
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,340 Points:693,335 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: May 22, 2011 1:44:51 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse GVAN: Sure and you can also use gasoline to start your barbeque. Yes, you can. I don't recommend it. I do recommend inflating the tires above the OEM's recommendations. ***** SCHEMEMKEY writes: Houkster, did you even read my post, or did you assume it was wrong just because you didn't write it? _____ Of course I did. That's why I wrote my post. Your post contains a number of assumptions that I don't find credible. You have your opinion and I have mine. My opinion is based on many years experience with radial tires from a number of different companies. People can decide for themselves which viewpoint is closer to the truth. People, on this issue and many others, fall into two groups: 1) Those who are most comfortable following OEM recommendations and 2) Those who decide for themselves what is proper. I fall into the second group most of the time and have never had a bad experience because I check my assumptions before acting. [Edited by: Houckster at 5/22/2011 2:49:00 PM EST]
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,526 Points:2,835,315 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: May 22, 2011 1:24:52 PM Ignore gvan Report Abuse "As long as you don't exceed the maximum PSI on the tire, you can run any tire pressure you think is optimum for the car you drive." Sure and you can also use gasoline to start your barbeque.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,652 Points:757,735 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 22, 2011 11:26:57 AM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Interesting
ekelly7 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:18,291 Points:3,528,700 Joined:Oct 2001	Message Posted: May 20, 2011 6:36:48 AM Ignore ekelly7 Report Abuse higher psi may help the mileage, but safety first
StrangeLuv Champion Author Kansas City Posts:3,679 Points:899,950 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 20, 2011 5:47:50 AM Ignore StrangeLuv Report Abuse I run my tire pressures high, have for a while, and haven't notice any different wear. Still below the max TP. MPG has gone up.
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,447 Points:175,605 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 11:41:13 PM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse From:Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Consumers Relations, East Market Street, Akron, Ohio. Operating air pressure is determined by the vehicle manufacturer. If you're using the same size tire that came as original equipment on your vehicle, the proper air pressure is indicated on the door placard or owners manual of your vehicle. The air pressure indicated on the sidewall of each tire is the inflation pressure required to carry the maximum allowable load for that tire. Vehicle manufacturers have invested considerable time and testing to establish an air pressure that will provide a smooth comfortable ride in addition to an even treadwear pattern. Our recommendation would be to stick with the air pressure established by your vehicle manufacturer.
OlYellerTJ Rookie Author Hartford Posts:38 Points:57,925 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 10:54:30 PM Ignore OlYellerTJ Report Abuse DO NOT over inflate your tires. I did this once. and it saved me a few MPGs and a few pennies at the pump each week. (Back then I was driving a 1/4 ton 4x4 Dodge Ram.) OTOH, it cost me over $800.00 on a long weekend away from home (a long way from home) when one flat tire was un-repairable--and the other three were no better because the center of the treads were worn to the belts. I had to replace all four tires to get home! :headbang: 1) Maintain proper (recommended) tire pressure and check pressure regularly. 2) Rotate your tires at least every 5K. 3) Get an alignment at least every six months. 4) Maintain proper (recommended) tire pressure. I've been getting over 80+K out of my 60K tires using this approach. FWIW, did I mention to maintain proper tire pressure? :-D [Edited by: OlYellerTJ at 5/19/2011 11:59:42 PM EST]
jorobins538 Champion Author Chicago Posts:4,732 Points:638,320 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 8:55:45 AM Ignore jorobins538 Report Abuse I make sure they are about the recommended pressure - maybe a pound or two over.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,098 Points:36,565 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 8:32:35 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Foorprints are made by setting down the wheel/tire then lifting up the weight,most likely the print will only grow in length not width,because of the way tires are manufactored today. Sorry,I just don"t follow the test,but that is making tracks, not prints,tracks won't make much noticable change,unless deep enough on soft surface. Track Myths, I buy that. LOL HABDay (better) Maybe Trackprint....?
FIREJKP22 All-Star Author Pittsburgh Posts:588 Points:243,700 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 8:14:49 AM Ignore FIREJKP22 Report Abuse Whether you get uneven tread wear or not by it, you're going to wear out your tires a lot faster by overinflating them. Just remember that.
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 6:12:12 AM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse test- add 10-15 psi to one of your front tires, recommended psi in the other put a thin layer of flour, sand, sugar, salt...something like that.. on the ground behind each tire...then drive over it and check the footprint you will discover that the myth of bulging your tire and causing uneven wear, is just that, a myth. HOUCKSTER IS CORRECT [Edited by: gougedQC at 5/19/2011 7:13:20 AM EST]
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,098 Points:36,565 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 4:13:33 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse I use a good dial guage,with a trip button release,it is very sensitive,paid 12.00 over what a cheaper one that would have been most cases ok.($9.00 usual). To test it,I tried varying the pressure at the high end and low end readings. Just by letting very small bits of air released each time and taking multiple readings each time. It Tracked Each Small Bit of Air Released at daily temps 50-90 degrees,6 years ago. Guage Works fine today. I have checked our tires even after highway temps. on hot 90+ degree days,just curious about the total build up pressure compared to the max. rating by OEM. Three lbs. higher on front/back works for me,(average load).
ricker2332 Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,932 Points:774,850 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 2:19:56 AM Ignore ricker2332 Report Abuse I don't believe in over-inflating tires due to poorer, uneven tire wear.
Hmvee69 Veteran Author Knoxville Posts:303 Points:192,260 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: May 19, 2011 1:47:52 AM Ignore Hmvee69 Report Abuse Somewhat off subject, but if you will put nitrogen in your tires you won't have to worry about checking tire pressure and constantly adding air. And, since its the fluctuation in tire pressure that affects fuel economy this seems like a no brainer. Have ran nitrogen for a couple years now and it seems to be worth the money.
Schmenkey Rookie Author Orange County Posts:16 Points:6,370 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 10:05:53 PM Ignore Schmenkey Report Abuse Houkster, did you even read my post, or did you assume it was wrong just because you didn't write it?
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 7:21:50 PM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse thanks HOUKSTER for a correct posting.
pantale Rookie Author South Bend Posts:69 Points:100,005 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 4:09:58 PM Ignore pantale Report Abuse if you keep your tires inflated to mfr recommended psi, you'll maximize your tire life and maximize your MPG. the problem many people have is just keeping your tires inflated to the proper psi.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,340 Points:693,335 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 2:51:51 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse SCHMENKEY writes: ... Everyone here thinks they are a tire engineer. Tire manufacturers the world over hire the best engineers they can find to design and test tires so they ride properly, wear properly, disperse water effectively, give the best traction possible, and stay in one piece while rolling down the road. Then, a group of unqualified folks decide that they can disregard all of these engineers and pump as much air in them as they think they can get away with so they can maybe achieve another half a mile per gallon, while endangering themselves, their passengers, and all the rest of us when their idea goes terribly wrong. Stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. _____ Sorry. I think you're wrong here. The tire pressure for the car is a recommendation by the car manufacturer, not the tire company. As long as you don't exceed the maximum PSI on the tire, you can run any tire pressure you think is optimum for the car you drive. [Edited by: Houckster at 5/18/2011 3:55:43 PM EST]
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,340 Points:693,335 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 2:51:42 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse JIMMY1BROW writes: I think over or under inflating the tires will cause them to wear unevenly and may eat away any gas savings. ____ In the old days there was some truth to this. This was when we were using bias-ply tires. Overinflating increased the diameter of the center section decreasing tire life. Radial tires (almost universal now) have belts that control the tires shape. I've got about 46K on my tires now and they look like they'll reach about 80K before replacement becomes necessary. I've been running 42F/38R during the time I've had these tires. Ford's recommendation is 30F/30R. And yes, gas mileage is probably better than it would have been at 30psi and handling is definitely better. I believe that higher pressures keept tires cooler by reducing the heat generated by the tire carcass flexing. I also believe it's a good idea to have more pressure in the front tires than in the rear tires because the front tires have more weight bearing on them.
BIN_DIESEL Rookie Author San Diego Posts:9 Points:4,910 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 11:04:29 AM Ignore BIN_DIESEL Report Abuse That is the major concensus at the TDI forums. They fill their tires to 40psi for extra MPGs
jimmy1brow Rookie Author Nashville Posts:57 Points:126,845 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 10:58:06 AM Ignore jimmy1brow Report Abuse I think over or under inflating the tires will cause them to wear unevenly and may eat away any gas savings.
Schmenkey Rookie Author Orange County Posts:16 Points:6,370 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 10:24:30 AM Ignore Schmenkey Report Abuse Funny how just because someone's dad said it, their advice becomes the Word Of God Himself. Everyone here thinks they are a tire engineer. Tire manufacturers the world over hire the best engineers they can find to design and test tires so they ride properly, wear properly, disperse water effectively, give the best traction possible, and stay in one piece while rolling down the road. Then, a group of unqualified folks decide that they can disregard all of these engineers and pump as much air in them as they think they can get away with so they can maybe achieve another half a mile per gallon, while endangering themselves, their passengers, and all the rest of us when their idea goes terribly wrong. Stick with the manufacturer's recommendation.
aaronNB Rookie Author New Brunswick Posts:2 Points:1,190 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 10:15:58 AM Ignore aaronNB Report Abuse I'll stay with the manufacturer recommendations of the tires.
lookupthesky Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:347 Points:197,695 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 10:07:17 AM Ignore lookupthesky Report Abuse Quick update, I did more mpg than recommend inflation for just inflating front 2 and leave back 2 alone.
yuhoo22 Sophomore Author Long Island Posts:105 Points:85,150 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 18, 2011 7:55:57 AM Ignore yuhoo22 Report Abuse i have heard the same thing, but never kept track of it closely enough
Michael29644 Champion Author Greenville Posts:4,956 Points:841,325 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 11:20:33 PM Ignore Michael29644 Report Abuse I think proper inflation would be the way to go.
Bcoles1 Rookie Author Provo Posts:1 Points:1,770 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 8:46:37 PM Ignore Bcoles1 Report Abuse I have been in the auto industry over 20 years. I have always increased my tire pressures by about 20 % and have got exactly the tread wear I was supposed to get and increased my gas mileage by approx. 10 %. For ex. On My Yukon, the recommended pressure is 35 but the max is 50. I run them at 42. The ride feels better for handling and I have beaten the 50,000 mile warranty. Visit to learn more!!!!
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 8:23:31 PM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse greg is correct on the manufacturer side. However i disagree on tire wear. inflating to a few PSI over recommendation will greatly reduce rolling resistance, with no discernible increase in tire wear.
greg531 Veteran Author Grand Rapids Posts:337 Points:29,055 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 1:15:11 PM Ignore greg531 Report Abuse The manufacturer wants a cushy ride when you test drive the car or truck, for you to buy it....They did that with the Explorer/Firestone tire problems they had....Most good tires can run 2 to 3 psi over without bad center tread wear...Anything over that, the center of the tread can get bald fast, and while saving a couple mpg, your tires could wear out, and you will to buy new tires sooner, could be dangerous, exspecially in wet or snowy conditions, with bad tire performance. So, if your car gets lets say, 30 mpg, you inflate your tires higher, and get 2 mpg more, you are using 1250 gallons, at 32mpg, or 1333.33 gallons at 30 mpg, per 40,000 miles, a difference of 83.33 gallons, at $4 a gallon. You are saving $333.33 dollars. If a new set of tires cost you $400, and you wear them out at 40,000 miles, at .001 per mile cost instead of 60,000 miles, at .0067 per mile cost, you lose $132 dollars in tire replacement cost. So, you are saving $201.33 to inflate your tires more...if your tire wear life goes down. If the gas price goes down, and tires prices go up, or tread life goes down....there is a break even point where you might even lose money..... But most people working at tire places I have talked to, say they have not seen abnormal wear on tires that people have inflated them a couple of pounds more....but have seen abnormal wear on tires that were inflated more than a couple of pounds..... So, when you inflate your tires, don't over do it!
johnmooreiv Rookie Author Charleston Posts:14 Points:19,095 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 10:34:39 AM Ignore johnmooreiv Report Abuse over
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,026 Points:1,854,745 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 8:32:42 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse rjro, if you go by the tire psi readings on the side of the tire, you're definitely over inflating your tires past the manufacturer's recommendation
rjro Champion Author Albany Posts:1,237 Points:500,125 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 8:13:36 AM Ignore rjro Report Abuse no thanks I will stay with the manufaturers suggestion. or tire guide lines that are marked on tire.
DasAuto92 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,447 Points:175,605 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: May 16, 2011 11:31:57 PM Ignore DasAuto92 Report Abuse Maintain tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer on door sill NOT on tire, and check pressure when tire is cold.
PM_wiu Veteran Author Illinois Posts:339 Points:85,645 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: May 14, 2011 8:48:16 PM Ignore PM_wiu Report Abuse From a warranty AND insurance standpoint, if you inflate tires higher than the manufacturer recommended settings, you risk voiding any warranty you have on your tires (and/or automobile if it's one that comes with a warranty) and possibly your insurance if you are involved in an auto accident purposely driving with over or under-inflated tires.
CanadaPanda Veteran Author Ontario Posts:369 Points:90,890 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 14, 2011 6:25:18 PM Ignore CanadaPanda Report Abuse lookupthesky - <<back is already 38psi from manufactured recommendation>> You should preserve staggered setup. If you increase the front, increase the rears as well. The pressure differences are to induce understeer in the event you lose traction. rp_guy - <<different tires will require different pressures>> Tires with the same load rating require the same pressures. There are tire load tables you can look up to determine the proper pressures with a different load rating.
DerekS Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,751 Points:685,025 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 14, 2011 2:43:08 PM Ignore DerekS Report Abuse Increase the psi by 3. That is what Mercedes Benz recommends. They said that 3 results in better handling and mpg but slightly worse ride. Don't over do it.
PummpinEthyl Champion Author Nevada Posts:9,076 Points:54,335 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 13, 2011 6:31:48 PM Ignore PummpinEthyl Report Abuse proper pressure is best
lookupthesky Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:347 Points:197,695 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 13, 2011 11:14:38 AM Ignore lookupthesky Report Abuse I am not sure if it is working but from 32psi to 38 psi front 2 tires alone (back is already 38psi from manufactured recommendation, form 21.2mpg to 22.5mpg from a 52miles stretch. I tried this morning. I drive 80+_miles per day so I can easily test this out. The ride is not suffered at all.
Eugene_C Champion Author Columbus Posts:2,299 Points:155,995 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: May 13, 2011 11:10:31 AM Ignore Eugene_C Report Abuse I over inflate my tires slightly. The ride is stiffer but it is actually better to slightly over-inflate than to slightly under-inflate. This is beause under-inflation increases the flexing in the sidwall and weakens the tire more quickly over time. Just don't go crazy and overdo it, and remember that your traction may be slightly reduced.
CobraJ All-Star Author Tampa Posts:999 Points:376,205 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 13, 2011 7:20:05 AM Ignore CobraJ Report Abuse In all my cars, I over inflate around 2 psi over the manufacturer's specifications and have noticed an improvement in MPG.
sparkie951 Champion Author Roanoke Posts:4,170 Points:850,010 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 13, 2011 12:54:41 AM Ignore sparkie951 Report Abuse Us correct. Not under and not over. The factory rated amount is best.
ned23 Champion Author Columbus Posts:3,116 Points:291,290 Joined:Dec 2003	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 11:28:29 PM Ignore ned23 Report Abuse I do. I put about 38 lbs in them. They do fine.
rasinhussy Sophomore Author Utah Posts:184 Points:316,565 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 11:05:29 PM Ignore rasinhussy Report Abuse Fill to the recommended PSI from the manufacturer.
97PearlCat Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,962 Points:833,145 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 9:01:15 PM Ignore 97PearlCat Report Abuse I always inflate my tires about 5 psi over what it says on the door post. The last set of tires got 85000 miles on them.
Byte_Doctor Champion Author Akron Posts:3,485 Points:716,340 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 3:53:44 PM Ignore Byte_Doctor Report Abuse rp_guy - more like 10% MPG difference between vehicle manufacturer recommended pressure and sidewall max. I know, I've measured it on three different vehicles. So, depending on size of the tank it could easily be $5/25mi per tank.
rp_guy Rookie Author Edmonton Posts:67 Points:10,850 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 3:47:42 PM Ignore rp_guy Report Abuse different tires will require different pressures. if you didn't replace you tires with OEM then the recommended inflation on your door jamb is irrelevant. you are getting higher MPG because there is a smaller contact patch by overinflating. i know the consequences when i do it, you have to make sure you understand them as well however you will never save anywhere near $5 per fill. the difference is in the range of ~1% MPG [Edited by: rp_guy at 5/12/2011 4:48:31 PM EST]