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Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:43 pm
by roshmx5
Hi what is the optimal tyre pressure on a NB with stick wheels and tyres. I enjoy a spirited run through some twisty roads. Thanks guys

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:17 pm
by Magpie
Can of worms, what does the tyre placard say?

Do you know what over/under inflated tyres feel like?

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:20 pm
by smy0003
Yes, can of worms.
Do a Google search for the last tyre pressure thread on here. I'd link it but I'm on my phone at work.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:22 pm
by Magpie

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:53 pm
by roshmx5
Thanks so much :D

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 6:58 am
by Code4
Try 32psi to get going.

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 11:21 am
by 93_Clubman
Lots of variables & individual preference plays a big part, but personally 30 or 32 PSI (cold).

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 5:15 pm
by Odd
Personally....with any car..... I'd go with manufacturer's recommendation +10%(max) for high way driving

Everyone has an opinion....facts are harder to find....;)

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg3.html

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 5:32 pm
by Magpie
I was going to suggest that the OP get a tyre pyrometer and do a series of readings and set the tyre pressure based on the data collected. However, not too many people would do this.

On the Amarok (towing) after 2.5 hours the avg temp of the tyres was about 37° and about 5° diff between inside and outside edges. For the AD08R's after 6 laps of the national the avg was about 63° and 18° difference between edges. Both cars are used for different purposes so the pressures and temperatures would be different.

Pick a starting pressure, say 32 COLD go for a normal drive and see what they are when 'hot' after 'normal' use. Get a notebook and record the cold/hot pressures as well as how the car felt, make adjustments and rinse/repeat. The important part is to make sure it has a good alignment and you only change one thing at a time.

Re: Optimal tyre pressure 205/45/16

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 7:13 pm
by kalt
lol Magpie, your suggestion whilst emperically sound is most likely way over the top for OP purpose!

I suggest start from low pressures 20psi cold, after a run in the twistys measure again. Step up 3 PSI cold for next twisty run, end of the run measure again. Repeat with +3psi cold.

When the car starts to over/understeer in the bends you may have reached the limit.

What are the stock tyres anyway? Directional or Asymmetric?