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Old 12-20-2001, 11:48 AM   #1
TimStevens
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Default Tire pressures for snow tires?

Wanted to get some folks opinions on what pressures I should run on my Kumho snow tires, 205/55/16 size. I did a search, and the concensus said to use the stock suggested pressures (32/30), but the tires look awfully low with that amount of air...

Should I stick with this pressure?

Thanks,

-tim
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Old 12-20-2001, 12:53 PM   #2
Mike Kress
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Tim, I run 35 psi in everything, stock and snows. Seems like door-jam pressures just isn't enough.
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Old 12-20-2001, 01:20 PM   #3
TimStevens
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Thanks Mike... I think I'll bump it up a few PSI all-round.

My neighbors will think I'm crazy... I'm always fiddling with tire pressures

-tim
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Old 12-21-2001, 02:59 AM   #4
sajohnson
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Default Snow Tire Pressure

If it is reasonable to assume that the same pressure that works for "summer" tires will be optimum for winter tires then I would recommend 35 psi front/30 psi rear.

I run Bridgestone RE730's in the stock size. The WRX and most vehicles are set up to understeer. In order to encourage more "neutral" handling, it is necessary to increase the difference in pressure between front and rear. Thus the 35/30 instead of the factory recommended 32/29.

It hasn't snowed here in MD yet but I will start with 35/30 and experiment if that doesn't seem optimum.
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Old 12-21-2001, 07:46 AM   #5
TimStevens
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I'm not worried about oversteer or understeer... hell, oversteer with snow tires on dry pavement would be pretty scary. I'm just looking to optimize tire wear. I want to get plenty of winters out of these things.

Also, with higher pressure in the front, in the snow, you'll be getting more grip from your rear wheels then your front, giving you more understeer. Lower pressures = better if you're looking for max grip in snow/mud/etc.

-tim
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Old 12-21-2001, 10:05 AM   #6
stevekny
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I use 40psi on my Legacy GT with Dunlop Winter Sport M2's
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Old 12-21-2001, 01:47 PM   #7
sajohnson
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Default TimStevens

I admit that I have no factual data to back up my position, but it seems logical that the tire pressures that work well in wet/dry conditions would also work well in the snow. My thinking is that as long as the available traction is substantially equal under all four tires (dry, wet, or snow) the handling would remain neutral (although the ultimate limits would obviously be less. In fact, I'm not aware of ANY mfr. that specifies different tire pressures for winter tires, although most of them recommend 4 snow tires. If it were true that lower pressure is better in the winter I'm sure those same mfr.'s would say so.

That said, if you feel uncomfortable with neutral handling in the winter (I admit understeer is easier to deal with) then by all means, start with the SOA recommended 32/29 psi and adjust accordingly. I have the same concerns with wear that you do, but any mfr.'s recommended pressures are a compromise between ride/handling/mileage/noise/wear etc. They are at best a good starting point.
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Old 12-21-2001, 01:51 PM   #8
TimStevens
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I think I'll bump them up to around 35 and go from there. Lower pressures are better for winter or mud traction, in general. It allows the tire to shape around the snow/mud/rocks/whatever, rather than just maintain its shape and have a limited contact patch with the road.

Snow tires have softer sidewalls, which help the tire to do just that... that's why I'm not sure if I should up the pressure because they look like they're sagging or stick with the way they are now... *shrug*

-tim
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Old 12-22-2001, 12:46 AM   #9
zemmo
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I'm running 36-36 psi in my Toyo snowtires. That feels about right to me. Just got back from a fast trip to town on ice, gravelly ice, snow, and a little almost bare pavement and they felt really good. If I run much less than that they just feel too soft cornering.
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Old 12-22-2001, 01:38 AM   #10
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I would have PM's you but you don't have that option. I was considering the Bridgestone RE730's next year and was wondering what you thought of them.
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Old 12-22-2001, 05:00 AM   #11
sajohnson
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WR Blue. Cobb Stage 2

Default RE730's

Most excellent dude! Seriously, I'm used to running B/S SP8000's on my previous vehicle, a NX2000. The RE730's are better in every way. You will not be disappointed, especially considering the price and treadwear rating (300). They also have the latest 'AA' traction rating.

Anything better will cost a lot more and wear out very fast.
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