Question on Tire Pressure

[rcroller]

I've searched and read but am still a bit confused and curious about this. Stock tires, as well as many others, have a max pressure of 44 psi. Some say to run them near their max, others as low as 32 psi. They came from the dealership @ 32 but I've read it should be more like 40, cold. What is the optimal pressure for these tires considering proper ride and handling, wear, and milage considerations? Your input would be appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. Should have clarified...I'm talking street ..not offroad use.

[Kansas Law Dog]

The permanent label on the FJ door says 32 psi and so does the Owner's Manual. However, anywhere between 32 and 40 that you find comfortable will be okay. I have settled on 35 (in my Bridgestone Revos 265/75R16 tires) and like it for highway travel.

Too high of a pressurein the tire and the vehicle steering tends to wander a bit because a high pressure tire puts a crown across the tread. Too low of a pressure and you get a mushy feeling when steering. For the best gas mileage, I would suggest just under the wander feeling. A lower pressure tire flexes more and mileage suffers somewhat.

[air]

[jwh86]

when i got my new tires, all phase told me to do the chalk test. According to them, run a line of chalk across your tire, and drive a straight line. Add or let out air until all chalk is worn off to 1/8 of an inch on the outer tread.

[pawleisure]

When pressure is to high the tire crowns and wears in the middle when to low the edges wear cause the walls are carrying the load. pawleisure

[VooDoo FJ]

I set my tires at 32 psi when cold. On a recent long highway trip I checked the pressures on all 4 tires. They were all around 34 psi. Something to consider is how much you tires will heat up on highway trips.

[pawleisure]

I always run a little closer to the max pressure for good tire wear. I'm running 40 psi most of my driving is on a twisty paved road and the tires like a little extra in the corners. the ride is not quite as good as lower pressures. but gas mileage and tire wear is a little better with higher pressures. pawleisure

[rcroller]

I increased mine to 40 and tried it for a week, but got little improvement in milage (0.3 mpg) and noticed some steering issues at interstate speeds. I've now dropped them back to 36 and will try that for a week. Also, had the wife's FJ into the dealership yesterday for the first oil change and they reduced all the pressures to 33. At least they bothered to check them... Thanks for the input on this issue.