over inflating tires.... pros v cons

[tybardy]

i have always kept 36lbs in my tires... at some point my tire pressure guage broke and when it was reading 36 i actually had 43lbs in it... when i bought a new guage and dropped back down to 36lbs my gas milage went down some.

Here is my thought... if i just keep 43lbs, i can get better milage

NOW, as with all things, there is a down side... most notably for me: the ride was little more harsh... but i can deal with that to save a buck...


are there any other, possibly more costly reason not to over inflate the tires?

 

[jey_]

As long as you are not exceeding the maximum psi that the manufacture recommends for the tire (printed on the side of the tire) there are no serious consequences.

But there is a point at which you can overinflate tires too much. I don't think 43 psi is too much, but consider this before we jump to the conclusion that more is better: When you seriously overinflate tires, it changes the shape of it and less of the tread may be in contact with the road. Not only does this affect the handling of the vehicle but your tread will wear unevenly. This could lead to premature tire wear/replacement.

Also, the fuel economy savings of overinflating tires is somewhat of a deception. When you overinflate, you are altering the overall circumference of the tire, and for each rotation of the tire you are covering slightly more ground than what your odometer/speedometer indicate. Therefore, if you are using your odometer to calculate mpg, it's comparing apples to oranges when you compare fuel economy.

 

[Gordo]

In My experience Ive never had any issues with overinflatting, I like to keep it at 40PSI I do notice a little more hoping around with bumps but my truck feels lighter and I do get better MPG. Ive never really noticed any uneven wear but Im not sure and I dont think that 3 PSI will make that much of a difference. plus the way I see it is that since theres less surface of the tire on the road,it means theres less power required by the truck to move.

 

[tnezukon]

I think with the little money you save on gas, you might be spending on tires. Here is a pic of an overinflated tire. Plus like the other guy said the contact patch isnt as big and could pose some safety issues

 

[07SuburbanLTZ]

I run 33 psi, it's all in the ride and not how many miles your getting from it.

 

[boostaholic]

More psi=better mileage but poor ride quality. Like others said don't overinflate or the tires will crown.

 

[tekrsq]

On Wranglers, 45 psi is a tad too much. Ride is REALLY harsh and you start getting more centertire wear. I run 40 psi and it's a decent compromise.

 

[withac]

As long as you are not exceeding the maximum psi that the manufacture recommends for the tire (printed on the side of the tire) there are no serious consequences.

But there is a point at which you can overinflate tires too much. I don't think 43 psi is too much, but consider this before we jump to the conclusion that more is better: When you seriously overinflate tires, it changes the shape of it and less of the tread may be in contact with the road. Not only does this affect the handling of the vehicle but your tread will wear unevenly. This could lead to premature tire wear/replacement.

Also, the fuel economy savings of overinflating tires is somewhat of a deception. When you overinflate, you are altering the overall circumference of the tire, and for each rotation of the tire you are covering slightly more ground than what your odometer/speedometer indicate. Therefore, if you are using your odometer to calculate mpg, it's comparing apples to oranges when you compare fuel economy.

Not to argue, but I doubt the overinflation would make a noticeable change in the circumference. I went from 265/70's to 265/75's and it made a 2mph difference. It might take the squat out but if going up a size only made 2 mph difference I'd think you'd have to blow those babies up like a baloon before it would make a size difference. But that's just my opinion.