Tire PSI recommendations?

[GTS1997]

What PSI should I run in my tires? The sticker on the door says 29 PSI for my RT10, although the max PSI listed on the tire wall says 51 PSI.

I currently have the tires at 29 PSI. If I lower the PSI will it help with traction and cornering?


TKS!

 

[CitySnake]

Street is 29 PSI all around. Track (road and 1/4 mile) vary based on temp, conditions and technique.

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

A street tire generally will need more air pressure to support the side walls under severe cornering maneuvers. They are like springs and the harder you push it the stiffer they need to be.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Look carefully at the sides of the tread blocks. On every second or third one will be a teeny Michelin man. In autocross, you would adjust tire pressure so that you reach/touch/rub on this little guy but not beyond. I suspect in normal street driving you wouldn't come close to this, but if you head off to the track, it's a good starting point.

 

[Leslie]

A street tire generally will need more air pressure to support the side walls under severe cornering maneuvers. They are like springs and the harder you push it the stiffer they need to be.

I have found this to be VERY true!

I have PS2's, started out cold at 29psi at the track, car was all over the place, came in at 44-45

Went back out at 34psi cold, came in at 42, car handed MUCH better. Stiffer side wall.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I have found this to be VERY true!

I have PS2's, started out cold at 29psi at the track, car was all over the place, came in at 44-45

Went back out at 34psi cold, came in at 42, car handed MUCH better. Stiffer side wall.

+1

It's easy to remember this way - everytime a part of the tread hits the ground when the tire rolls, the sidewall next to it flexes. Ever bend a coat hanger until it broke? Then touch it? Hot! Same with your sidewalls. Underinflation and rapid flexing will heat up the tire too much. More air makes it a stiffer tire, less flexing, less heat build up. Kumhos I used can go even higher pressures...

 

[plumcrazy]

mine are at 32

 

[GTS Bruce]

With an agressive street alignment. 29 cold all around. For the track 29 cold rear 32 front. GTS Bruce

 

[Red Shift]

I run 29 cold on the street. During auto-x I go 36/32. That's helped but I haven't played with it past that. I got the advice to go 36/32 as a starting point from a FAST C5Z06 driver that is one of the top racers in the area.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Depending on tire and sidewall roll, you can go higher! That's why I bring the yellow crayon! Smart to use the ~5psi split between F and R, too.