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09 EXL: Tires look deflated on recommended 35 PSI

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cw30000

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Is this normal that the tires look deflated for the EXL? I have a 09 EX-L and at recommended 35 PSI, all 4 tires look deflated. I have to pump them up to 40 PSI to make them look normal.

The addon weight to the car is about 100 lbs (2 car seats, case of water, and some small items), and it should not put any pressure on the tires. The measurement was preformed during a normal 70 degrees day with a digital tire gauge. The tires are OEM Michelin.

In additional, will setting the tires to 40 PSI going to cause any risk after a long drive (save 4 to 6 hours) when the max PSI is 44 for the tires?

Thanks in advanced.
 
#2 ·
I don't know about the max psi question, but yes, mine even inflated to 35 have always looked low. Both in my 05 EXL and my 09 EXL.
 
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#3 ·
Our OEM Michelins looked low at 35psi but I haven't noticed it as much with the Coopers. Perhaps a stiffer sidewall. As long as your tires are stamped for max psi in excess of 40...it shouldn't be a problem. Might rattle your teeth a bit on the bumps....:stupid:
 
#4 ·
cw30000 said:
Is this normal that the tires look deflated for the EXL? I have a 09 EX-L and at recommended 35 PSI, all 4 tires look deflated. I have to pump them up to 40 PSI to make them look normal.

The addon weight to the car is about 100 lbs (2 car seats, case of water, and some small items), and it should not put any pressure on the tires. The measurement was preformed during a normal 70 degrees day with a digital tire gauge. The tires are OEM Michelin.

In additional, will setting the tires to 40 PSI going to cause any risk after a long drive (save 4 to 6 hours) when the max PSI is 44 for the tires?

Thanks in advanced.
Click to expand...
Hey dude I wouldn't go by the "look" of the tire. Best way to operate way outside the recommended pressure. My BMW tires always look "low" even though they're at 35psi. My Ody's do too....there is a little bulge at the bottom. Get a good psi gauge and use it.

Once in a rental car we had a TPMS light so my Dad tries to refill it by "looking" just like you're suggesting. I had to school him.....went in to the gas station to borrow a gauge and he had it up to 50psi based on what "looked right". You think its safe to drive my kids and family with one tire at 50psi on the highway? Needless to say, for once I taught my Dad a lesson.......
 
#6 ·
If I were you I would pump the tires to about 38 cold and measure them back again when it's warmed up and deflate it to about 41-43. Our tires are max 44psi.
 
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#7 ·
Anyone that thinks they can adjust their tire pressure by sight today is living on borrowed time. Tire engineering has changed a lot over the years and todays wide low profile tires will always look under inflated. Leave it to the tire and Auto engineers and set the pressure they decide is best. Your passengers will thank you for a safe ride.
 
#8 ·
the "44 psi max" is a cold pressure max. I regularly run 40psi cold - it may go up to 45 hot in the summer, but that's okay. It's a cold pressure reading - best done in the morning at room temp. Numerous benefits to higher air pressure with the only downside being rougher ride. Doesn't bother us.
 
#10 ·
rwburnett said:
the "44 psi max" is a cold pressure max. I regularly run 40psi cold - it may go up to 45 hot in the summer, but that's okay. It's a cold pressure reading - best done in the morning at room temp. Numerous benefits to higher air pressure with the only downside being rougher ride. Doesn't bother us.
Click to expand...

I"m interested as to why someone would ignore the engineers' specs so significantly? Do you not trust that they know what they're talking about? I can see going a psi or two higher than 35 (you do know that 35 is the number, and not 44 right?!?!?) I often do that just to better ensure that I'm at least at 35 even if it gets cooler out.

I believe another downside is that it increases the chance of a failure, plus it wears the tire in the middle more than its supposed to.
 
#11 ·
Yeah but if you have Michelin lx4s ESPECIALLY pax, you would or have to go over the recommended psi. If you have money to spend for more gas and tires, fine. Keep the recommended specs. But ppl who doesn't, they tend to keep it a bit higher, not too much, to save money. And techinically we are not ignoring the specs because we only increase the psi a bit from the recommended psi :)
 
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#12 ·
need higher pressure in front

I would recommend a higher pressure in front. At 35 PSI, the OEM michelins wore more rapidly on the edges of the tire. There were unusable by 35k miles. (mixed city/hwy driving). 2nd set are coopers.
Running at 38 PSI front (35 rear), wear is much more even, but still slightly more on edges. ( they are almost worn as well)
My estimate is ideal pressure is prob 39-40 psi, at least in front.
The ride degradation is minimal.
 
#13 ·
benefit to running a tire with higher psi is lower rolling resistance but harsher rided vs low psi soft ride higher rolling resistance, i always inflate my tire to 40 psi all around, saves gas even on my accord, never noticed any uneven wear!
 
#14 ·
Hogan773 said:
I"m interested as to why someone would ignore the engineers' specs so significantly? Do you not trust that they know what they're talking about? I can see going a psi or two higher than 35 (you do know that 35 is the number, and not 44 right?!?!?) I often do that just to better ensure that I'm at least at 35 even if it gets cooler out.

I believe another downside is that it increases the chance of a failure, plus it wears the tire in the middle more than its supposed to.
Click to expand...
Who's ignoring the engineers? He clearly state 44 is the max allowed, which is correct. The center wont wear faster at 44, it will simply be a harder ride. Over 44, not thats over inflated and the center could be the point of wear and create unsafe conditions.

Engineering does not give tire pressure ratings based on one factor. Marketing has a lot of input also, because comfort play a huge role. And dont forget each tire manufacture and tire type has its own max and recommended pressures.

There is no "perfect" pressure for every person, every tire, and every vehicle.

I personally run 38 in all 4 all year round, and 42 in the rear when I tow near max limits.
 
#15 ·
Here is a formula I got from a guy I use to work with that raced Porsches :)

I am pretty sure this does NOT apply to minivans (due to the vehicle weight), but I use it on my non-racing sedan with good results.


(Vehicle Weight in lb/100) + 2 psi at heavier end + 2 psi all around if suspension and alignment are stock.

Example: Stock 911, 3,000 lb.
(3000/100) = 30 psi
Add 2 psi all around = 32 psi
Add 2 psi to heavy end = 34 psi at rear
With modified suspension, the result is 30 psi front, 32 psi rear.
Click to expand...


My point in posting this is, there is no such thing as a "perfect tire pressure" for everyone in every condition. There are simply 'good estimates'

Always start with the tire pressure posted on the door plate of the vehicle in question, then make little adjustments to your taste and needs depending on how the tires wear and how the vehicle feels.

I wouldn't ever make more than a 3-4 PSI change from what the door plate says (and if your max tire pressure on the sidewall is less, then you probably bought the wrong tires.)

There will be some odd after effect (usually odd tire wear) if you randomly decide to put 44 psi in the tires when the door plate recommends 35psi.

and always use a quality gauge. I have seen gauges off by more than 5 psi.
 
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