Just looking for some feedback regarding members preferred tire pressure. My owner's manual gives a range of pressures to be used, depending on how fast the car is going to be driven.

What psi is working best for you ?

The opportunities for safely driving over 100 mph are becoming few and far between these days. So I'm hesitant to keep my tires inflated for high speed (+ 100 mph ) driving . I did manage to briefly venture into triple digit mph territory on my way home from Austin last Friday, but only for a few seconds. Those triple digit circumstances are likely to be rare, if ever again. So should I let some air out of the tires as the manual suggests, for enhanced comfort ? Will steering precision suffer ?

 

I always am more concerned with tire wear. 32/34 worked just fine on my '97, but the R and later xk8 with larger rears often experience center wear unless they drop to 32 or even 30 at the back.

 

I run 29 ft 26 rear and get exceiient even tire wear, however I do no long distance driving, most I get is 15 miles at a time.

 

My wife's 2006 XK8 does best at 32 to 33 psi in front and 28 to 29 psi in back (on 19-inch Atlas rims). These pressures allow for the longest treadwear and are also comfortable and safe for her. I spent the first twelve months of vehicle ownership adjusting the tire pressures before finally deciding on these settings....

 

Thanks Jon, I was going to PM you to see how they were holding up since I have the same car now.

 

Z7ray, she seems to be happiest at 32 34 for my xk8.

Just in case you never thought of this ( it took me 55 years to realize it) virtually nothing off the shelf in say an auto part store has respectable accuracy or precision. 5 to 10% error is common. I found a gauge on Amazon with 0.5% accuracy for around $30. Hope it helps.

BTW I agree with the spirit of your question. A pound or two makes a noticeable difference in handling and ride.

John

 

It also gives a range of pressures depending on the wheel size. The optimum pressure for an 18 inch doesn't necessarily apply to a 19 inch or 20 inch.

Graham