OK, I am just wondering, should we use the suggested pressure from the tire even when it is 8degrees here, and snow all over the place? I have the stock '95 se wheels, and turanza tires.

 

Always use at least what the placcard states. Never reduce the tire pressure for snow like some people will tell you. It can cause the tires to get hot from the friction in the sidewall and cause damage as well as making traction worse. The pressure should be set "cold" after the car has not been driven for more than a couple miles.

 

Tires aren't about to overheat in 8 degree weather, driving on snow. In theory, you're supposed to keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressure, but when it's that cold the tires are very stiff. I would suggest going about two lbs. lower. The tire will be a little more compliant giving you a better ride and better traction. A little extra heat build up is a good thing because a tire gives best traction when it's at its proper operating temperature (which you won't achieve without a blow torch, but every little bit helps).

 

Tires can easily overheat in 8 degree weather, especially if you get stuck and spin them. Lowering the tire pressure will NOT improve traction despite that old wives tale about a bigger footprint....it's not true. The most important aspect in snow traction is how well the tire grips and retains snow. I know that may sound silly to you but do some research(BEFORE you reply saying I am full of it) on technical papers by Michelin or Bridgestone, they have the best winter tires. The snow-snow interface is what keeps your traction in snow, and on ice it's most important to wick away any water. That's why those Blizzacks have those little open cells. Dropping 2 PSI for ride? well maybe, that won't heat the sidewalls either. Heat is a good thing because tires give the best traction at operating temp? Not in the winter, like I said before what you know about tires needs to be thrown out the window for the winter. Repeat after me: Heat is bad in the snow M'kay? even worse on ice, if the tires get warm on the ice they melt the ice layer they contact(not all the ice under the tire, just a few microns worth) and it helps you to hydroplane. Do some reseach, the material is out there.