VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Check your tire air pressure

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
T

tjl

· Registered
Joined
·
28,732 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
In the northern hemisphere, summer is turning to autumn, so temperatures are dropping.
Falling temperatures lower tire air pressure. Check the tire air pressure on your car(s) more frequently during seasons when the temperature is dropping -- even if the tires are not losing air, they could become underinflated due to lower temperatures. Underinflation can wear out the tires more quickly, worsen handling (less safe), cause the tires to blow out more easily (dangerous), and waste fuel.
Don't forget to check the spare tire. Compact spare tires should be inflated to the pressure stated on the sidewall or in the owner's manual; full size spare tires should be inflated to the highest pressure of any of the regular tires (it is easier to adjust by letting air out than to put air in when you are changing a tire on the side of the road). If any tire's maximum pressure rating is lower than that recommended for the car, then the tires are inappropriate for the car and should be replaced by tires which are appropriate for the car.
 
#7 ·
Re: (HI SPEED)

Quote, originally posted by HI SPEED »
I have been meaning to ask about correct tire pressure for day to day driving. Should you inflate up to the max psi or should you inflate to a few psi lower?

Check your owners manual... the max PSI setting on a tire is probably much greater then you'd want for normal driving... My tires can take something like 50-55 psi... but my owners manual recommends 32-38psi, I find it the best compromise of crisp handling and comfortable driving at around 35-36psi... I've gone up to 45psi on the track before tho.
If you inflate the tire too much, there's a chance that you will wear the center of the tire first, plus minor road impacts won't be as well cushioned.
 
#9 ·
Re: Check your tire air pressure (DigitalTexan2u)

Quote, originally posted by DigitalTexan2u »
Every fall the "low pressure warning" light pops on my dash. Awaiting it's return!

I love my TPMS.
Image
 
#10 ·
Re: (HI SPEED)

Quote, originally posted by HI SPEED »
I have been meaning to ask about correct tire pressure for day to day driving. Should you inflate up to the max psi or should you inflate to a few psi lower?

for my car tires 195/60 r14 - 29psi front 30 psi rear
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Re: Check your tire air pressure (4x4s)

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »
I love my TPMS.
Image

You might want to read the manual to see how underinflated the tires can get before the TPMS will alert you.
 
#12 ·
Re: Check your tire air pressure (tjl)

Quote, originally posted by tjl »

You might want to read the manual to see how underinflated the tires can get before the TPMS will alert you.

A three pound difference between the two tires on the same axle triggers a warning, as does a 5 pound variance from the set pressure. I've read the manual, and the tech training guide. It's a good system, but you do have to understand how it works.

That said, I do check the pressures manually anyway, since 5lbs is a bit too much when the outside temps are starting to drop - and while the TPMS has been very reliable, it has the annoying habit of giving me legitimate warnings at the most inconvinient times. It warns me when I'm running late for work, but never on a weekend when I'm just running trivial errands.
 
#14 ·
Re: (Live-Wire)

Quote, originally posted by Live-Wire »

Check your owners manual... the max PSI setting on a tire is probably much greater then you'd want for normal driving... My tires can take something like 50-55 psi... but my owners manual recommends 32-38psi, I find it the best compromise of crisp handling and comfortable driving at around 35-36psi... I've gone up to 45psi on the track before tho.
If you inflate the tire too much, there's a chance that you will wear the center of the tire first, plus minor road impacts won't be as well cushioned.

My owners manual only lists specs for 255/17 tires but I HAVE 235/35/19 that specify 55 max psi. Is it really safe to roll 20 psi under max. I want the setting that is least likely to get bubbles/dent my rims cause eagle f1s aint cheap. I have been setting it at 45-47 psi on average. It gives the tires a full look and absorbs bumps nice for 19inch tires. But I always worry I'm over/under inflating.
 
#15 ·
Re: Check your tire air pressure (4x4s)

Quote, originally posted by 4x4s »

I love my TPMS.
Image

The system on our 4Runner drove me nuts when we first got it and the temperature dropped. That was until I found it it was the spare that was causing the light.
Image
Don't forget to check all of the tires folks.
Image
 
#16 ·
Re: (HI SPEED)

Quote, originally posted by HI SPEED »

My owners manual only lists specs for 255/17 tires but I HAVE 235/35/19 that specify 55 max psi. Is it really safe to roll 20 psi under max. I want the setting that is least likely to get bubbles/dent my rims cause eagle f1s aint cheap. I have been setting it at 45-47 psi on average. It gives the tires a full look and absorbs bumps nice for 19inch tires. But I always worry I'm over/under inflating.

Drive REALLY HARD (in a safe location). Pull over immediately and place your hands on your tires.
If the centers of your tire is hotter than the edges, you're overinflated. If the edges are hotter, you're underinflated.
It's the poor man's pyrometer.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Re: (gotapex)

Quote, originally posted by gotapex »
Drive REALLY HARD (in a safe location). Pull over immediately and place your hands on your tires.
If the centers of your tire is hotter than the edges, you're overinflated. If the edges are hotter, you're underinflated.
It's the poor man's pyrometer.

Might be easier to use the chalk method, or check tire wear over several thousand miles.
 
#18 ·
Re: (tjl)

Quote, originally posted by tjl »

Might be easier to use the chalk method, or check tire wear over several thousand miles.

Chalk (or shoe polish) works too, but not as reliably depending on sidewall stiffness. I agree, definitely an easier way to go though.
 
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
About this Discussion
24 Replies
19 Participants
Last post:
BRealistic
VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
posts
85M
members
1.5M
Since
2001
A forum community dedicated to all Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, new releases, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
The Car Lounge Golf IV & Jetta IV Golf III & Jetta III Golf II & Jetta II Golf IV/Jetta IV Parts