80 What is the proper tire inflation for my car? Should I use the number printed on the side of the car?
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This article is from the VW Technical FAQ, by with numerous contributions by Jan Vandenbrande others.
80 What is the proper tire inflation for my car? Should I use the number printed on the side of the car?
A: Probably the best tire pressure to follow for average driving
is the one printed on the door jamb, or listed in your manual
of the car...at least it's a good starting point.
When the tires are new, measure the profile depth on the sides and
in the center of the tire, for all tires.
Measure again after you have driven couple thousand miles/kms.
The wear should be more or less even accross the entire tire width, with
a bit more wear on the front than the rear tires (FWD cars!).
This naturally assumes that your alignment is correct.
If you find that the centers of the tires are wearing more, decrease
pressure, if you find they are wearing less, increase pressure
(radial tires, bias plies behave differently).
If you find that the side of the tires are wearing uneven
(or see other oddities), you may need an alignment.
(See also the alignment archives on this).
Generally if you load up your car with alot of weight, it's recommended
to increase your tire pressures.
Similarly, if you are planning to drive at high speeds for a longer
period of time, increase the pressure.
This will reduce tire flex, and hence will produce less heat build up.
Also keep in mind that underinflation is one of the worst things
you can do to a tire for that very reason.
Higher tire pressures are also recommended to reduce the chance of
rim damage with softer rims (e.g., 1990 Corrados, some 16V rims).
The number printed on the side of the tire is merely the maximum
inflation pressure for that tire, and is not meant to indicate the
inflation pressure for your car.
For performance driving see the performance faq.
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