[fishman]

I have a 2001 2.4T with the optional Pirelli P6 235/245-17 tires. The sticker inside the fuel filler door suggests 38 psi inflation, but the sidewalls say that the max pressure is 51 psi.

The car rides and handles noticeably better with the tires pumped up to 45 psi or so. I get better gas mileage too, so I'd prefer to keep them at the higher pressure if it's safe.

Does Volvo know something I don't? Am I OK at the higher pressure? I've read some stuff here about tire bubbles on the Pirelli's, and I don't want to do anyting to increase the risk.

Thanks in advance.

 

[captain snark]

I agree with you on the higher PSI. The balance is between ride comfort and handling as well as load. My V70 I typically keep them at the max when travelling (lower mileage) and when having fun. 36 front 41 rear. But you'll notice a harsher ride over expansion joints and the such. When driving hard you'll want higher pressure as well since speed and low pressure increases heat too much. A friend who races motorcycles has a formula he uses for cold tire pressure (varies by ambient temperature) when he has heated up the tires he checks the hot temperature and it must be within a certain percentage of the cold pressure to be optimum. (I'm not sure how much hotter % wise. I definitely wouldn't pump them past the suggested max pressure by Volvo as you will get uneven wear in the middle of the tire. Don't even think of pumping them to 51!!

I did a search but couldn't find a calculator online. Perhaps one of the racers out there knows

 

[GrecianVolvo]

quote:

Originally posted by fishman:
I have a 2001 2.4T with the optional Pirelli P6 235/245-17 tires. The sticker inside the fuel filler door suggests 38 psi inflation, but the sidewalls say that the max pressure is 51 psi.

The car rides and handles noticeably better with the tires pumped up to 45 psi or so. I get better gas mileage too, so I'd prefer to keep them at the higher pressure if it's safe.

Does Volvo know something I don't? Am I OK at the higher pressure? I've read some stuff here about tire bubbles on the Pirelli's, and I don't want to do anyting to increase the risk.

Thanks in advance.

38 is OK. Definitely do not go below 35...that is when you will get bad tire wear and/or risk getting a bubble on the sidewall by going over small/medium potholes, etc. I keep mine at 36 and i am very happy. My wife and I are very careful when we are on a bad road but a couple of times we thought that the wheels/tires bought the farm...stopped the car, looked. NOTHING! But I am a stickler for correct tire pressure. I check/correct mine every 10 days or so. So far, I have 25000 miles on them, and the tread seems like it's about half way gone. I should get 40K out of them.

Yannis

 

[Gotballs]

I have 225/40ZR/18, on chromes. I was wondering if I was to drag race my car, what tire pressure would u suggest for an 1/8 mile drag race? B.T.W. I tend to break my tires loose off the line with a a 2500 rpm power break....

Thanks,
Spencer