Attention Technicians/Mechanics, Downsized winter tire=new tire pressure?

[davidlau82]

I just bought some new winter tires:

Viking snowtech tires 195/65/R15 with steel rims. I have chosen to downsize from my original Michelin all-seasons 205/55R16. I was just wondering how I could find out the recommended tire pressure for these new winter tires for my 2006 Acura RSX.

Do I go with the maximum tire pressure labelled on the tire sticker or the whatever is recommended on my owner's manual despite the change in tire size?

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[B0000rt]

Do I go with the maximum tire pressure labelled on the tire sticker or the whatever is recommended on my owner's manual despite the change in tire size?

NEVER GO WITH THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE LABELED ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE.

If you do this, the air in the tires will warm up, expand and the pressure will go above and beyond the rated maximum, by which you're risking damage.

Go with recommended pressure ratings, usually higher profile tires will be rated for less pressure, but the difference you listed is negligible.

[rchong]

I am not a technician or mechanic. You'll be fine pumping the tires 1-4psi below the tire maximum. I highly doubt you could even significantly warm up your tires in the winter. I pump my tires 1psi below max (rated max at 35) to allow for air expansion. You're more likely to have a tire blow out if it is under inflated than over inflated because the sidewall will flex more. I would say add 2-4psi (but below the maximum tire pressure) from the factory recommended pressure for the 16" because the smaller tire needs more pressure to support the same weight the 16" tires did.

[CompWizrd]

What's the load rating on the tire? Is it similar to the OEM?

[stevethewheel]

NEVER GO WITH THE MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE LABELED ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE.

If you do this, the air in the tires will warm up, expand and the pressure will go above and beyond the rated maximum, by which you're risking damage.

Go with recommended pressure ratings, usually higher profile tires will be rated for less pressure, but the difference you listed is negligible.

Actually the max pressure labelled on the tire is 'PSI Cold'. Which means you need to set the pressure when the tire is not hot from driving, and at the outdoor temperature that you wil be operating the vehicle at. The increase in pressure due to driving stress is already factored into the tire design.

So if you set the pressure in Canada in January, and drive to Florida, you need to change the air pressure along the way. And likewise again along the way back.

[kmltick]

Usually recommended tire pressures are on a sticker on the driver's side door. (or the body, but usually posted on the car)

Open the door and look along the locking mechanism, more than likely all the info you need is on there.

That's the tire pressure you should be inflating your car to.

[docvteg]

One thing I have noticed on the same model car with different trims is that the larger diameter rim required more air pressure.

The 14" trim used 29 psi all around, the 15" trim used 32 psi.

If you have an RSX, check what the Type S model with 17" uses, compare with your 16", then extrapolate for the 15" rim.

[SoNgMaN]

take the tires off and drive around on the wheels. problem solved.

fill them to max with nitorgen it's inert as is the 80% nitrogen in the air you breath, fill them with at an air pump..

[sshe11]

also, in winters the tire pressures drop ...