Re: Tire Pressure

Posted by Tim Cole On 2013/3/26 15:43:34

If you notice the GM spec I put up from the 60's specifies additional 4 psi cold pressure for speeds above 75 mph.

That is a lot different than nearly doubling the tire pressure to the maximum on the sidewall.

The tires on my modern car are not rated for sustained speeds above 80 mph so I won't be increasing pressures anytime soon. I also wouldn't drive any Packard like that either, but the bottom line is increased suspension wear because running higher than necessary tire pressures is mitigating the first tier in the cars suspension - tires.

I had an old Ford that I used to drive like a maniac. It slid beautifully and I didn't run excessive tire pressures in it. But it was really good in the snow and I'm sure would not have done as well with over inflated tires. Once I raced an old Chrysler New Yorker up a 5 mile long hill and he blew his engine. I had the Ford in Low with my foot on the floorboard and the power steering pump overrunning and screeching. I was doing around 65 mph when the Chrysler started blowing smoke.