tire pressure question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lietuviai · #1 10-19-2003, 08:59 PM

I have always wondered about what tire pressure specification to use, the one suggested by the automaker or the maximum pressure figure stated on the tire. The tire pressures indicated by the automakers are typically for the same type of tires originally equipped on the car.
Hardly anyone replaces tires on their cars with the same exact type the car came equipped. Tires differ in construction from one maker to another hence inflating tires to the spec intended for the original tires I would think may not be sufficient. Changing to tires of a different size would probably be the same issue.
What opinion do you tire experts suggest?
~DJ

yhliem · #2 10-20-2003, 01:41 AM

first of all: use the search. this has been asked, discussed, and answered numerous times.

secondly: the short version is use the AUTO maker's spec as a guideline.

thirdly: the pressure spec listed on the tire is the MAXIMUM pressure that the tire can withstand, not the recommended.

lietuviai · #3 10-20-2003, 08:15 PM

Pardon my asking this question but since this question contains such wild cards that it was not an easy search. The search results were so unsuccessful that I had to ask. Perhaps you can steer me in the right direction as to where I may find the best answer?

Gilly · #4 10-20-2003, 08:52 PM

I'd agree to stick with the manufacturers recommendation. In general I try to use the one MB prints on the label in the drivers door jamb, unless I know the car is always heavily loaded, in which case I use the max pressure as listed in the fuel filler door.
I agree there are variables in tire construction, especially if you have an older car with new tires, BUT that hardly allows you to make the leap from the manufactuer specifications to the MAX tire pressure listed on the tires, that's quite extreme.

If for some odd reason the MAX pressure listed on the tire sidewall is LOWER than what the manufacturer recommends, then DO NOT exceed the limit on the tire under any circumstance. This is rarely the case though.

Gilly

yhliem · #5 10-20-2003, 10:19 PM

use the search and enter "recommended tire pressure" as the search criteria and set it to search within the Tires & WHeels forum only.

The results are here

hope this helps you out.

lietuviai · #6 10-20-2003, 10:41 PM

Yhliem, your link to the recent posts including ones with your replies have given me a wealth of information to ponder over.
THANKS!

Flash Gordon · #7 10-31-2003, 04:26 PM

I ALWAYS inflate 3lb higher than the mfg. and I rotate and align the wheels regularly. All tires lose pressure gradually, particularly in the winter. If you kept the tires at the recommended pressure, the tires will almost always be underinflated due to the loss of air.