[TR] tire pressures

[Randall]

> If you run that much pressure the contact patch area will be greatly
> reduced and you will wear out the center of the tread first.

My experience with radials has been that, although the center does tend to
wear out first, the overall wear rate is usually reduced.  The tires
actually last longer even though they wear a bit funny.  Fuel consumption
usually improves a bit, too. 

Running higher than recommended air pressure also seems to improve handling,
both responsiveness and ultimate cornering power.  Too much can cause
handling problems though, including instability at speed and vibration.

So my approach in the past has been to start at the maximum pressure on the
sidewall, and carefully evaluate handling.  Then cut it by 4 psi and try
again.  When the handling starts to get worse, you've gone too far.

Don't forget to let the tire cool thoroughly before checking pressure.  The
measured pressure will definitely go up when the tire is warm; how much
depends on just how hot it is inside the tire.  The sidewall rating is
"cold".

If memory serves, last time I went through this exercise, I wound up at 32
front and 36 rear.  But that was some time ago, and with unusual size tires,
so may not apply to you.

You also failed to mention what aspects you want to emphasize.  Lower
pressures tend to give better ride quality and less noise/vibration (which
is the reason most OEMs go as low as they can on recommended tire pressure).

Personally, I drive the car because it's fun, not because it's cheap to
operate.
-- Randall