Tire Pressure: Nissan or Tire Spec?
 

Is it better to follow Nissan's PSI rating (32) or the tire's indicated rating (in my case, 44) ?

I usually go with what it says on the inside of the door. The tire company doesn't know how heavy the car is that the tire is on. That will change the tire pressure. I would say go with what the car says.

I think you will find that the number given on the sidewall is the maximum inflation pressure, not the recommended pressure. Go with what Nissan recommends and play with the number +/- a few lbs to achieve desired ride quality or handling.

ok, i figured.. my tires just seem a lil harsh.. maybe its my cheap suspension (maxspeeds on stock struts).. even little bumps or those lane indicator markers seem to be really harsh...

It is an SE, they have a pretty stiff ride for a sedan. I just got mine and I like the ride but I traded in a Z28 so take that for what it is worth.

Maybe I dont know much about tire pressures, but isnt 32 to 44 psi a big difference? IMO, if the heavier the car, the more air I would put in the tires(sound right?). Lastly, it would matter more on the type of tire you are using(17-18's)...

No, you're right, it is a lot, and I think someone cleared it up by saying that the tires show max psi, which I forgot it does say max. so, that makes sense. I'll keep them at 32, but I need a new suspension.. :D

Yeah, my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's claim a maximum pressure of 51psi, Nissan recommends 32... I use 35-38 and the car rides great. The car feels a little "squirmish" in its handling sometimes at <32psi.
Note that I'm also using 235/45-17 on 17x7 wheels, where the wheel width (7") is supposed to be just a little too narrow for these tires...

44psi is maximum COLD pressure...NEVER use that!

I used to run 40-41psi and it was HARSH. I felt every little pebble, crack, hell even ant I ran over.

Then a couple tire gurus on here showed me the extreme science/testing behind those pressures and how running out of spec is DANGEROUS, so I run within 2-3psi of Nissans' recommended 32psi. It made a dramatic difference in ride quality and handling, however tire wear increased somewhat.

Once you vary from OEM brand/size tires, I'd do some research on the "best" pressures to run.

I second Alex's suggestions. I run 34 psi front and 31 in the rear; no need to run same tire pressure on rear if 63% of the weight is carried by the front wheels, eh?

Try some moderate differential pressure...you'll like it

What rate do you guys lose pressure? I notice that I lose a couple PSI every couple months, but I'm wondering if that is just because of the weather (it's been colder here lately)...

I run 35 F/ 32 R

:sprint:

However, I have a RSB and *FEEL* this helps compensate for the reduced understeer over stock.

I go 35 all the way around and I run stock GLE suspension and Falken 225/50/17 Ziex ZE-512 tires. I like the ride and handles much better than stock and the tire are wearing even and steady. Chris

should never inflate to the max labeled psi. says MAX for a reason, not maxima har har... I think i read 32 was ideal all around but since they say you lose on average 1 psi/month, i just do 35 and be lazy..

Great answers, I could perhaps ad a couple. Weight of the vehicle really doesnt matter. 30-36 fits about everything- Miata to Escalade
Less pressure in the rear will give you a little more understeer.

I run about 35 all around usually...lower it a bit for the track though :)

maybe he saw "max 44psi" on the tire and thought "wow, custom made for the maxima...sweeeeet"........ :frosty:

I run 36-38 F / 33-35 ROff course that now it is snowing and raining, I don't care too much. That reminds me, I better check the pressure today.

thanks for all the replies..

Great one PoLo
Wish it read Max.44psi-all others 12psi.
Then we would really be faster!

Im with you I run about 35-7 up front and 33-35 in the rear, keep in mind maxcosity that the Crappy Tenzas are very pressure sensitive. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right so you dont have steering wheel jiggle out of them like alot of us has had in the past.

Well keeping them at 32/32 seems ok for me, handling wise, it's just harsh as hell. I'd like to go softer, but don't want to f up the lip on my rims.. :(