Best tyre pressures for extended life, boosted safety & maximum grip | Auto Expert John Cadogan

Running your tyres at the correct pressure is guaranteed to extend their life. That’s an $800 investment (or more) for most people. Plus it makes a huge difference to your safety in an emergency. The only problem is: What’s the Goldilocks pressure for your car? This video attempts to answer this question.
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This is a simple question with a not-so simple answer. I look at it like this: If you’re just an average driver with no real enthusiasm for driving, open the driver’s door, find the tyre placard (it’s on a sticker in the door frame) and run with the manufacturer’s recommended pressures.
If you’re a bit of a leadfoot, you can bump the pressure up by 10-20 per cent. So, if the manufacturer recommends 32psi all round, 36-38 is gunna be fine. You’ll get better dynamic performance, and about the same wear rate, but possibly slightly less compliant ride. It’s a better balance for more assertive driving.
For 90 per cent of people out there on the road today, this is sufficient to maximise your safety and minimise your contribution to the profits of Pirelli, Continental, Michelin, Dunlop, Goodyear, or Bridgestone, et. al. (And whatever you do, don’t buy cheap tyres from unknown brands. I’m convinced they’re just not as good at saving your neck when the chips are down.
But if you’re a proper driving enthusiast, you might want to approach this a little differently. You'll have to watch the video for that explanation (as I ad-libbed it).

[@noturbo]

the problem is the people who need to see this are not watching.

[@paulsven7923]

spot on

[@labourlawact7826]

Exactly. Like my 81 year old Mom driving with her car's tyres at 120. (Kpa)

[@noturbo]

i was doing mine one day older woman asked me to do her's sure no worries had like 15 lb in them on average.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Like most important things

[@chrisandshazza01]

The tyre monitoring systems are fantastic. My 16 yr old Jeep has it and it saved me in the Pilbara last Nov. I picked up a small metal spike and the system gave me the warning I needed to immediately look for a safe place to pull off a 100km/h road. 30 seconds after I had stopped the tyre was completely flat and the rim sitting on the road. The following month I was also alerted when I had a complete blowout just outside of Kununurra near the Ivanhoe ..... 44° and a storm approaching, gotta love that. I think tyres are overlooked by many. Great video with great info.

[@P_Petkov]

Great video. I've always done 20% less than the max rating on the tire. This has been in the same ranges that you recommended based on +20% the car manufacturer's recommendation. It's good to have confirmation I've been doing it right.

[@andrew2004sydney]

An excellent, accessible, non-condescending explanation. Thanks!

[@paulgee8253]

Great video. Proper tire pressure ( and tread) is key to preventing hydroplaning too. In hot areas we found pressure loss causes flexing and heat build up and occasionally disastrous tread separation. Your life really does ride on those tires.

[@joeypahati3126]

So true, I bought my ute that was equipped with S****n tires that lasted only 2 years and half. The problem was they started to spit out the valves. Got myself stranded in the middle of deliveries. In short, I had to replace all 4. Keep up with the info. Keep safe, stay healthy 👍

[@ianwright2637]

I run my tyre pressure at 25% above standard setting. It's still below the tyre makers maximum pressure. I get excellent handling and even tyre wear. Ride quality is still acceptable, but you do feel more bumps. People should pay much more attention to their tyres. Good report, could save someones life!

[@andrewromano6351]

🙏 John that was a great clip, thanks for sharing legend! Will be implementing!

[@drjimbarnes]

Great report, John! I don’t care if you’ve done it before as I’m a relative newbie. Finally I get the whys and wherefores of tyre pressure surveillance. Thanks for that, mate.

[@skotty1962]

Glad I'm not the only one fussy with tyre pressure.

[@TheEnvelopeOZ]

What do you notice with them? And what psi do you prefer?

[@labourlawact7826]

@@TheEnvelopeOZ I noticed a slow puncture on the left front tyre of my car! And I inflate my front wheel drive sedan to 230 in the front, and 210 at the back. I wonder if this is the correct pressures?

[@ArashFallah]

I ride a bicycle and I check the pressure everytime I ride. I also watched your original tyre pressure video from couple years back and have been doing the four corner pressure checks every other week. It always amazes people, when I tell them that the pressure on my tyres go down 0.1 Bar almost every fortnight. Then they check their tyres with my gauge and they're shocked.

[@77gravity]

Yes, they are at the optimum pressure, checked them this morning - due to the extreme rain, I wanted to be sure. And I check them at every refuel, also. I even took the Subaru to work instead of the Ranger - I prefer the AWD over the extra "fording" depth.

[@N3wbMa5t3r]

Hard to believe you check your tire pressure everytime you fill your tank. 😂

[@nelsblair2667]

John wisely switched to O-Light a year ago, to be ready for anything. Then, he was indoors for a year and the O-Lights never failed, when he needed them. If I spend another year in this house, I can be pretty confident that no O-Lights will fail me, when I need them.

[@norsehall309]

John great show, I must say sorry for any offhand comments in the past I have been in in a dark place but now help has been found, cheers Mate.

[@stultuses]

Congratulations, I hope the good days for you continue 👍

[@PlugNuster]

Where have YOU been all of my KZbin life? You sir just made a subscriber out of me. The way you deliver your content is Excellent. Thank you for what you do.

[@yggdrasil9039]

I'm glad you said that John, because mine are rated for 230-270kP (33-39psi) but I regularly fill them to 300kP (43psi) as the fuel economy goes up slightly and the drive and handling seems identical.

[@default9740]

John, I’m not generally a commenter on KZbin. But that was the best lecture I’ve ever attended. Thank you.

[@badgerello]

Great video John. Please present more content of this type; informative, factual, simple. Ming moles, MALS and EJ bashing is fun; but this is the real deal.

[@Mel-95]

Best explanation I've seen. thanks, John.

[@andrewnewman1248]

Thanks John for the good information I use tyre wear on all our vehicles as a way to determine tyre pressure. I have found two cheap brands of tyres that are really good tyres ,and have given better wet grip and wear than the Bridgestone tyres we were using on one of our cars. My tyre service said my tyre pressures were to low ,but also agreed that the wear was even .carefully monitoring wear over time and adjusting pressure slightly as you suggested works well for our cars. I also regularly check the pressure Thanks for your good info as always

[@NNoradIV]

Weekend track day guy here. That 20% is right on the money. I haven't learned anything here, but everything you say is on par with what I have learned from personal experience. Most weekend racers seem to think that lowering pressure is the way to go because that's how drag race is done. It only lead to overheating tires.

[@SeeSawMacaw]

I was convinced this video was going to be a chiding for going over. Decades of owning/maintaining sports cars and 1/2 ton pickups (Murica!). 38 to 39 psi cold is what I settled on for all. Everything John states here matches my real world.

[@ralphfrasier2079]

John, I agree with you 100% on this issue sir! Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest and easiest things a person can do to improve their safety on road.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Totally agreed - and the air is even free...

[@yengsabio5315]

Simplest, easiest yet basic and very fundamental!

[@Digital_Photog1995]

Thank you John!! Well described! I have been adjusting my tire pressures above the placard listed 32 psi for years generally the tires are at 36-37 psi checked monthly unless the ambient temperatures change like Summer and Winter conditions. Average tire life for me is over 40K Miles depending on brand. Currently riding on The CrossContact™ LX25. 38500 so far mounted on my 2017 Lexus RX350. Happy New Year!

[@russd2681]

Hey JC, greetings from the U.K. Special thanks from me for this particular video, and not for the reason you might think. It prompted me to go check my tyre pressures. Now I had 4 new Goodyear Asymmetric SUV tyres fitted to my F-Pace 900 motorway miles ago, at a national branded Auto chain specialising in tyres and brakes. Now before you take the proverbial, I know it’s a JLR but with Brexit and all, someone’s gotta buy something made in Britain, yeah? And it’s been great, so far... Anyway, I’m checking the pressures and dressing my nice new tyres, when I notice that the front offside locking wheelnut is proud of its recess. Well that’s not good, I thought, as I spun it twice with my fingers and it fell off the stud. Cue a change of underwear, followed by gathering the appropriate tools to check the rest. EVERY locking nut was loose. And I mean finger loose. Every other nut took an easy half turn of torque on the wheelbrace. The moral of my story is - trust no-one. Most tyre fitters will tell you to check your nuts after 50k’s or so. Some will even hand you a suitably coloured warning note to that effect, in order to indemnify themselves from incompetence. How many of us actually carry out that check? Not many I’m guessing. So my thanks to you are due because, had I not watched this video when I did, I might have suffered a calamity. Doesn’t bear thinking about really. I have written to the Head Office of this particular Tyre Fitting chain. Not to claim recompense, or cause trouble. Simply to make them aware. They have replied, promptly to be fair, and are investigating. They shall remain nameless, as the incompetence, or forgetfulness, of a single employee or team of employees, should be dealt with effectively but internally, in my view. And the jobs and careers of blameless employees should not be put at risk by adverse publicity. Keep up the good work. Subscribed about a year ago and really enjoy your content and sense of humour.

[@acchaladka]

I just had my winter tyres changed over to the 3 season stock Michelins on my ElectricJesusMobile today actually. (Will check my engine oil and radiator coolant fluids later as instructed, I promise.) The magick screen of my TechnoKing, tells me it’s precisely at 42 psi as required. Thank you, O Great Cadogan Vizier for the reminder.

[@bubby372]

Excellent informative video. Plugging in my compressor right now to up my tire pressures.

[@johnbailey3351]

Tires and brakes, the two most important thing on your car from a safety perspective. Great video!

[@CynHicks]

Ability to accelerate out of bad situations have served me well also. There is something to be said for knowing your vehicle limitations though, for sure, and brakes/tires play a big role in stopping/handling. I guess my point is that proper equipped "performance vehicles" are safer than economical "sloths" when driven properly. Maybe only slightly but...

[@rayjennings3637]

Here I am, John, looking you straight in the eye and saying that unless my tyres have all sprung leaks in the last half-hour, then they are all at the correct pressure as specified by the car manufacturer and they were the same, this time last week. I'm fortunate, in that I have access to annually calibrated pressure vessels to be able to check and adjust my own tyre pressure gauge against. I'll watch the video right through though for information and entertainment. Have a good day, Friday!

[@kaindog100]

I did a defensive driving course over 25 years ago. Three things that have stuck with me are brake pressure in an emergency ( most cars never had ABS back then, seating position and hand position on the wheel and tyre pressures. They definitely make a difference.

[@VivekGangwar02]

hey, can you share this experience in more detail? your text looks astonishing, what does hand position on wheel means in an emergency.

[@TheEnvelopeOZ]

Thank you for your service John.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Hello John Great video What I find interesting is the tyre placards and also what tyre retailers say. A tyre retailer will tell you that the placard pressures are there so your ride is comfortable. The retailers will tell you that a higher pressure is better for safety and wear. What they say seems intuitive to me but surely the car manufacturers also know this so why don't they save us all the doubts and put a higher pressure on in the first place. I'm not an expert or an engineer and the bottom line should be this is what is required so just do it. Thanks for you great videos, even the funny ones.

[@johnbambo9036]

Great and sensible review JC. Absolutely spot on. Audience should remember that tyres have a use by date. My 986s bought in 2019 had tyres that were 12 years old. Plenty of tread but they had dried, also check the age of the tyres which is indicated on the sidewall and if over the 10 year age limit perhaps replace

[@jfv65]

VERY good point. I once used a set of very old rock hard winter tires , they came on my classic 70's bmw and must have been 30ish years old , still with deep thread and no cracks. On dry they were still somewhat useable but on wet it was wheel spin way up in 3rd gear and lurid slides on every corner. Practically UNDRIVEABLE on a car without Nanny systems like ABS, TCS, ESP Dangerous really.

[@cartoonsbyjohn]

Well said John. So true by my own experience. Most people would be driving their car under inflated at the recommended manufactured pressure and will prematurely wear out their tires. I’ve driven with my tires at 6 psi or more above recommended manufactures pressure and still my tires wear out prematurely like they’re underinflated.

[@outlandyishrig2557]

Good video John for the average punter ! I'm still running original tyres on the Kluger I bought new 2015, looking after pressures, etc. has served me well, as just clocked 70,000 km, I will be buying again the Michelin Latitude HP's,

[@lasentinal]

Thank you once again for another excellent and informative presentation.

[@AutoExpertJC]

No worries - thanks for watching.

[@antikristuseke]

Because I live in a climate with na annual temperature range from about 30C to -25C (some years go further in either direction) I've made it a habbit to chekc tyre presssures whenever we have a significant shift in temperature. Great content as always, even though I'm on the other side of the globe from the target audience.

[@stevewise1656]

Great advice as usual!

[@BoresaverAus]

Sweet torch’s, just bought one, thanks for the code

[@murrieteacher]

I am old school country. I do a visual check of tyres as you walk towards car. Check pressure weekly, check wiper blades monthly. Oil and water each refill. Screen washer weekly in summer, (lots of bugs around). 34PSI all four tyres around town, 36 front 34 rear (FWD) on trips because I want some oversteer. On my club car 32 rear and 28 front (RWD and mid engine) John on ultra high performance rubber there are little triangles on the sidewall and the idea is to adjust pressure so the wear touches the point of the triangle. Those guides are also on R spec rubber too. On hillclimbs, the club car pressures go down to 22psi rear and 20psi front. But check out the little triangles.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

You are providing a valuable public safety message with these videos. Sir I Salute you.

[@jcjaramillomo]

soooo true I always refer my clients to check the video en heavy towing. honestly, they can drive but most can barely understand car limitations and design parameters. for example, 2 weeks of non-stoping rain and people keep tailgating like there is no tomorrow.

[@martinmcgoldrick1357]

Excellent report and information John.

[@andrew_koala2974]

Excellent is the 'correct' word. Nothing on this earth is good. Je Even Jesus denied being good. We can never achieve perfection. We can only strive for excellence in all that we do. I wish you success Mr. Goldrick

[@tomkarlsborn2384]

Thanks John. My Pajero states 26psi F/ 29psi R. I have found 32psi all around works nicely when unloaded. I think a good idea is to measure the height of the centre of the hub to ground when unloaded. With a max load in the car, measure it again and top tires up to the same height. Do NOT exceed max pressure of course! In my opinion you will get the same footprint with this method. Your thought on this??

[@mickthephilosopher146]

When I taught my kids to drive, they were taught to do these basic checks before getting behind the wheel. Then once behind the wheel, I walked around the vehicle to show them blind spots (I am a motorcyclist). I also invested in a quality pressure gauge, as on a motorcycle a one psi change can make a difference.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Well done. 13 points out of a possible 10 there.

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Did you teach them how to correctly adjust their mirrors, in order to eliminate those blind spots (to the pit of hell)?

[@mickthephilosopher146]

@@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars absolutely, but even when mirrors are well adjusted, there are still spots where motorcycles are not visible.

[@norsehall309]

Did the same with my kids and now the grand kids, cheers. ps I ride a 850 Norton

[@David-lr2vi]

@@Igbon5 Exactly! It amazes me how often I see motorbike riders just sit in someone’s blind spot. It’s no wonder some of them get wiped out. Go past or stay behind, don’t just sit there matching speed while sitting in a blind spot! I used to make sure I got past quickly when I used to ride my motorbike to work.

[@RustySheriffsBadge667]

Love the content and thanks for the info

[@wotid]

I have a bit of OCD with my tyre pressures. For convenience I bought a Jamec PEM automatic tyre inflator / deflator bolted to the garage wall. Set my pressure and run around the car (and motorbikes) waiting for the beeps at each tyre and they're done. It wasn't cheap, but it makes life easy.

[@andrewkb5211]

Great advice, thanks to yourself and other youtubers I only buy Premium tyres now and check pressures regularly. I know now that tyres are the biggest influence on how a car drives and performs. Also vital to follow Chris Fix's advice to change winter air for summer air in the spring, he posted this last year or the year before, on 1st April I think. 👍

[@ne444104]

EXCELLENT VIDEO, VERY INFORMATIVE!!

[@MatthewShanahan228]

Thanks, this was very informative.

[@AutoExpertJC]

My pleasure, Matthew.

[@az958]

Its nice to have someone talking about actually useful stuff. I mean 0-60 times on cars that most people will never be able to afford is fun. But this shit is a lot more practical, usefull and makes a owning a car more involving.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Bloody good report old chap. All I heard was run 50PSI in those Pirellis, cause I'm a simpleton, but not too simple to deduct 10 percent, because, road.

[@paulgraves7949]

I was your 1000th like! It's a pleasure!!

[@stultuses]

Excellent video You take those things people think they know and take for granted and expound on them I just went out tonight in the rain, got back and saw this video pop up and now I'm thinking, it's been a while since I checked my tyres, tomorrow morning when hopefully there's a break in the rain, I'll be checking them I drive a Delica, it's an awesome vehicle and I buy tyres that are as wide as my vehicle will accommodate and I pick the ones with the highest wet ratings as I figure that's when tyres are most called upon to save my arse. I never cheap out on tyres, if it's say $30 extra for per tyre, big deal, that probably gets spent on coffee over a short period anyhow Perhaps I'm wasting money on going for wet weather tyres as preference but in my ignorance it's what I've decided to focus on It's good to know one can go up to 20% extra pressure on the tyres, I didn't know how much extra one can go to if required. I had a mechanic once try and fix a fuel performance issue by going insane on the pressure to try and reduce rolling resistance. It worked but I literally bounced down the road, lol. He's now gone out of business, I wonder why... Did I say what a great video this is 😀

[@Jeff-yf8pf]

I agree 100%. Unless you change tire or wheel size you might want to do a chalk test to find correct tire pressure

[@coptotermes]

Interesting video, thank you for the information. A quick point if I may? Every tyre pressure information bite I’ve ever seen has had the “if it is worn more in the centre then it’s over inflated” bit included. Sure this is correct, but in the 39 years I’ve been a licensed driver I have never seen a tyre worn in the middle! My point is, I believe some people have the tyre pressure right, but *most* people have their tyres under inflated.

[@billharris3650]

Righto John, Hankook Dynapro ATM LT265/70 R16 @ 55psi front, 60psi rear on D40 Navara, 180,000k life. I run 60psi rear as I carry a lot of tools and tow regularly.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Sounds like a plan.

[@billharris3650]

@@AutoExpertJC It worked well, on my 2nd set with the ute at 280,000k's. Original tyres were rubbish, lasted less than 50k and were very unstable with a load in them. The Hankooks are a 10ply tyre.

[@ka130258]

all cars are spot on! compressor in the garage. 37 psi all around

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

Yes sir my tyre pressures are correct as of 5 days ago. I do this once a fortnight so I don't have to feel guilty when I see videos like this. Negative reinforcement does work. And well. My family's safety and well-being thanks you for it.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Eggggggggcellent!

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

@@AutoExpertJC I see what you did there! 😆 Many thanks for all the advice and wisdom you've imparted upon so many of us over the years. You do great work and it is very much appreciated!

[@michaelhoulden9018]

Thanks for this. I could have used this on my last dealership visit. The pseudo-technician at my dealer recently read me the riot act about over-inflating my tires when I was complaining about an alignment problem. (Took wearing out a set of tires, 60000km, and 4 alignments for the whack-jobs to figure out one wheel was dynamically unbalanced). I had, properly, bumped up tire pressure to account for maximally loaded driving conditions. Helpfully, the pseudo-technician reset all my pressures to placard and sent me on my way. To the nearest air compressor. FFS

[@r.fortner4661]

Wow. What a wonderful commercial on flash lights. Oh, and the bit of info on tires was kinda interesting!

[@smallk6453]

Very informative and definitely more air for longevity of the tyres if you use the car mostly day to day. (not over inflating of course)

[@seankirby2580]

You're absolutely right. A neighbour asked me to look at her Mini because she said it was "handling funny". It had run-flat tyres and there was no pressure in any of them when I checked. Nothing. 0psi. She had never checked them and the tyre warning light had never come on, so she didn't bother.

[@mikebush4335]

2013 i30 wagon.......recommended is 32psi.........major tyre retailer said 36.and at 36 it rides,corners and brakes beautifully

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yeah - just keep checking the wear rate across the tread face.

[@gregspeechley882]

A few years ago I parked next to a commodore with a flat rear tyre. Had a child seat in the back so walked across to the outdoor cafe where a mothers group was carousing. The driver of the vehicle said that when she leaves she would drive to the service station and put more air in it. Was able to convince her to call the NRMA (she was a member) to change the tyre by saying they could change it while she was still having coffee with her friends. With her attitude there was no way I was going to change it for her.

[@MrM1CHA3L]

Some just don't care. I just leave tyre shop phone numbers on their windscreens

[@wilson2455]

sounds like my sister.. " you do know there's no tread on your spare tyre.. ", sister, " that's why it's in the boot.. ".

[@the.parks.of.no.return]

Talking to a brick wall - its a Darwinian thing.

[@michaelallen3918]

Or when you are at the shops, it is raining and the car beside you has racing slicks because they are so bald, then you see the 2 baby seats in the back of the car.... People spend big bucks on name brands, clothes, phones, electronics, meals etc, but can't find a little extra to put decent rubber on their cars... Very frustrating.

[@nileshjaduram8617]

Bula John...all the way from Fiji mate... have had a me eye on tire pressures as was always wanting to get the best mileage on a set.. I run on my current Amarok 18psi which is very low compared to the factory placard of 34.. but that was harsh as I do roughly 50 percent 4x4 tracks compared to the unsealed roads in AUSTRALIA and 50 bitumen.. the ride is much better.. will check tread depths to see if its wearing evenly as I never thought of that.. so cheers bud...

[@joaogrilo4896]

Great content! Thanks!!!

[@Eliasw86]

Funny, I just checked my tire pressure 10 min before I saw this video. Good content!!

[@tcpnetworks]

Yes. I am absolutely confident that 20 minutes ago, my tyres are spot-on for pressure. The car even told me it was happy about the tyre pressures. Even my spare! O'lights are pretty fucking good lights...

[@lenwoodman9442]

Well done - Nice one!

[@VH-eq2ci]

I'm telling you that they are. In Europe 1% of the people know that the car has tyres.

[@granthoughton769]

Yep, Nitto Invos at 43psi all round. Super sticky goodness. But hey, I'll keep watching, always something new to lean!

[@pedromjorge]

Excellent! Very helpful

[@ianwhitford3596]

Good advice John. My wife went to a ladies information evening at the dealership for her car. They were told the placard tyre pressure was all about ride comfort. Her tyre placard says 32PSI they recommended 36PSI.

[@saauuzza]

That's is correct I would do 35 to 36

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Hi John. Enjoyed the part of the video when you were looking down at the tyre explaining tread depth and pressures. I must say the more mature side of you is far more interesting. Cheers cobber.

[@3800S1]

For my daily 36 front , 34 rear. On my club car (same model as the daily but hotted up) with R888R tyres I run about 40 front and 38 rear. The placard for the stock pizza cutter tyres is 28 psi.

[@travisp11]

Out here in Nebraska we have temperature extremes, especially in the spring where the outdoor temperatures can vary over the course of the day and can drop or raise your tire pressure significantly. Checking the pressure has become a habit for me because of it.

[@dorstefan]

Tyres are usually the last thing most people think when they are driving. They will first buy some type of car freshener before checking the tyre pressure.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Tyres are THE THING that delivers the most significant performance upgrade in one step - it impacts acceleration, cornering and braking, so getting pressures right is kinda critical.

[@AquaMarine1000]

... and trailer bearings.

[@Hallowsaw]

What is even worse is people will go to a car wash and get tire shine and put on them not realizing that it makes their tires perform worse

[@andrew_koala2974]

Particularly on motorcycles, having good quality and serviceable tyres with correct air pressure is critical. There is not much margin for error on a motorcycle, and over the years roads have improved, but drivers impatient habits have become much worse than it was fifty years ago

[@dorstefan]

@@andrew_koala2974 According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you are 37 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than a car accident - and nine times more likely to become injured while riding a motorcycle than while driving a car. No pressure (pun intended).

[@aussiebloke609]

Every time I've bought a new car, I've started with about 2 psi extra in the front and 1 in the rear, as I do like to press on in the bends (I learned to drive in a Leyland Mini - and they're all about maintaining momentum around corners, as they really didn't accelerate all that well with only 40hp.) But no matter how much "spirited" driving I do in the twisties, it seems I always end up with the most even wear (and thus the best grip) with no more than 1 psi extra in the front at most, and no extra in the rear. Not sure if this is because I tend to drive smaller cars with relatively wide rubber (so they're inherently a little easier on the tyres) or what...but it seems to work for me. :-)

[@nevillegreg1]

Just for interest sake, I fitted Steeda Spyder Rims with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres to my 2015 Mustang, which were subsequently transferred to my 2018 Mustang. Now I'm talking over $500 per tyre in addition to the $500 for each rim - quality in both departments. I check the air pressure regularly for the very reasons you mentioned, but what I have found incredible, is that they have never even lost 1 psi in all that time, although I've adjusted the pressures depending on wet/dry conditions and if I'm taking it out for a drive in the country with the lads or with the wife.

[@Davido50]

Wise. Mustangs are great vehicles!

[@daveblock4061]

I am absolutely certain. My Lotus is set at 24F 27R cold and my ute is 30 PSI all round. I check whenever the ambient air temp changes by 20F or every other fill-up.

[@zonie1953]

I have been driving for 52 years now and do a car check every saturday arvo ! All fluids and tyre pressure , I also keep my tyres 4-5 psi higher than the placard says. Good or bad, I am a Michelin fan and always buy that brand. Being a very conservative driver I typically get 100,000 km from a set, sometimes a little more. It works for me !

[@mooloolahmark9807]

I like the tyre pressure monitors on cars nowadays. Can leave for work on a cool morning with 32psi, it hits 36 when I get to work, on the way home after a run up the highway they hit 40. Next morning, 32. 115k kilometres on this set. Goodyear for the win.

[@larryordine7542]

Quality tires at the right pressure is incredibly important, however I never recommend more than 10 percent over placard for any street car. The ride on many cars with responsive stiff suspensions suffers to the point of harshness in my experience. Hondas for instance get really uncomfortable with over 10 percent pressure. I can't get friends to check pressures even after I give them a air gauge. I don't want to deal with "it feels worse." If you want to drive faster I suggest plus size summer performance tires, racing pressures and other suspension modifications like Bilstein shocks. Trucks and trailers are another story. The other factor people ignore is temperature, tires lose one pound for every 10 degree F drop. Good report.

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

John good video, can you do one one whether new tyres should go on the front or the back? Manufacturers say new go to the rear regardless of front or rear wheel drive for safety reasons.

[@Seiskid]

Good content. Question - how does slight over inflation - compared to stated inflation - affect traction in the wet. Will the higher pressure lead to less grip or does it make no difference?

[@htmonaro1969]

My my21 Subaru XV 2.0i-S has tyre pressure gauges but it also has a variety of pressures depending on the vehicle load conditions. They recommend 230kps in the front and 220kps in the rear under normal loads. The rears get an extra 20kps for every increase in load as identified on the sticker and in the manual. The gauges don't start working until you have gone several hundred metres, but don't stablise for a few kms. From new they were all at 245kps, which is about 10% for the rear and slightly less for the front. Rotating the tires for an anal owner would do their head in, I expect. For most people they wouldn't really bother changing the rear pressures to suit the extra load. I suspect sticking to 230kps all round would be ok. That way rotations would be simpler.

[@fisqual]

I've argued with so many tire jockeys about this very topic because they always lower my pressure when I come in for free rotation. I have a compressor at home but it's still annoying that they won't listen to me. ...I came to this exact conclusion on my own by monitoring my wear but I've never heard anyone else say this out loud. Glad you did...

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's the only meaningful test (unless you're on a racetrack, in which case you'd data-log the shit out of it).

[@markh.6687]

@@AutoExpertJC Tire shops (especially larger chains with corporate lawyers/solicitors? (AU) may require them to follow the vehicle maker's pressures for liability (lawsuit) reasons. It's simpler to say "we follow the vehicle manufacturer's specs" in court; saves a lot of explaining.

[@imrileth6618]

@@markh.6687 It goes the other way around too sometimes. One time i got new tires (on one of the largest tire shops here). The shop over inflated my front tires to 40psi even tho the recommended is 33psi. And 33 is the best pressure for my car based on my testing as well. I was thinking on the way home that what the heck is going on as the car rode like crap since the tires were way too hard to absorb any bumps. Fixed the pressure at home and car rode great again. Nowdays i only take the rims to the shop and get new tires put on them and put them on my car at home so they can't screw around with my car since shops often overtighten the bolts also.

[@markh.6687]

@@imrileth6618 Sometimes I think they overpressure to mount the new tires, so the tire bead seats on the rim and all that, but forget to lower the pressure. I had lug issues a couple of times, one car went to a different shop after somebody got air-ratchet crazy and I couldn't change a slow-leak tire for repair. Paid the new shop a few dollars to loosen and re-torque all four tires after the leak was fixed.

[@imrileth6618]

@@markh.6687 Yeah. The air ratchet use is a common problem here especially in large shops. They just can't be bothered to use proper tools i guess. That's why i always change my summer/winter tires myself nowdays.

[@DashCamSerbia]

Yes I can. I check them every two weeks (every time I fill up the tank).

[@andrew_koala2974]

If you increase the inspection cycle to Once per week you will be doing yourself a favor. Keep a reputable good quality air pressure gauge in the vehicle and undertake a test on any week-end day, it would be two minutes well spent as a safety precaution.

[@RandyHartono]

Yes, recommended Tyre Pressure plus 2 psi

[@AutoExpertJC]

Not a bad ballpark plan.

[@edwardpace3691]

Thank you for the information! I do have question about tires regarding deflation. So when I lived in Alabama, 'Murica, people would go muddin'. When they would get stuck they would lower their tire pressure to 5 or 10 psi. Was for traction in the mud and sand? Would it make that much of a difference? Thank you for all you do!

[@MattyS02]

Great video! Would love if you could do one about, or add a section in another video about, how terrible used tyres and re-treads are. I see so many people looking for a cheap option and they buy this crap because they don't know any better.

[@manfredo4287]

perfect explanation

[@peterperacchio528]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@vburke1]

My 2016 F-250 here in 'Murica calls for 65 psi, identical wheels and tires on the near identical F-350 is 80 psi. Running the 250 at 65 psi makes the front end absolutely chop the crap out of the tread and ruin the tires. At $1000 for a set of load range E light truck tires, I run the full 80 psi.

[@muumuumu]

close to 3bar for 19" is what most tire shops recommend around here. it's a bit rougher but protects the rims and even wear. Their typical recommendation is to add atleast 0.2bar to manufacturer recommendation

[@tonykb2193]

Inova make awesome torches too, mine is 23 years old still going.

[@devonport68]

Like your work John. Quick tyre question for you, I have a stock standard Pajero (I’m ex Mitsubishi trained mechanic) and won’t fit useless accessories. I have it for towing a camper trailer and for running up the beach here in Qld. Would you say it’s better to stick to highway tyres, as that’s most of the usage or look at all terrain tyres to get more life. HT are fine for the towing and the beach work.

[@trput3824]

With directional tread patterns, you're restricted to same-side rotations (swaps really) and the passenger side tyres will be worn earlier wasting life in the driver's side tyres. (I was OCD enough to have directional tyres swapped on the rims (and vehicle side) to balance wear and extend life.) However, with asymmetric tyres (and assuming front and rear rims/tyres are the same size) you might as well share the wear across both sides of the vehicle with a proper rotation. Rears to same side front (keeping the same rolling direction of the tyres in the transition to steering duties). Fronts to diagonally opposite rear (which will flip the rolling direction ... hardly an issue in rear-wheel drive when drive and braking forces are transmitted through the tyre anyway and a non-issue in FWD vehicles). If pressures and alignment are maintained, that process will get maximum value from all four tyres.

[@davidmoynahan9585]

I do the front/rear rotation swap to even the wear and also have them turned on the rim so the axle pair can be swapped from side to side while maintaining the rotational direction. The combination of f/r and s/s means I can get a worn set all about the same time. Tyres also are subject to deterioration by aging, so be replacing all four at the same time, I get new rubber in all corners, and the advancements in tyre technology. Note this only works for symmetrical tyres (no direction arrow on the sidewall). I do check my pressures monthly and/or before heading off on a long drive at a local servo (Service Station, Gas Station). The distance from home to the servo is less than 1km so I don't think the pressure would change much in that short drive. Reasonable assumption? assuming I might need a couple of PSI to get back to the + 10% mark. Interested in your advice thanks.

[@carlo7506]

All very good advice, John. You might also have mentioned the lower fuel consumption benefit that ensues from the reduced rolling resistance of higher tyre pressures. This is very noticeable in long-distance, highway-speed driving.

[@Bigvs.Dickvs]

Yep. I used to date a woman who drove at 150Km/h on the highway with her tires at 1.8 Bar, chewing on them like bubble gum and always complaining about spending so much money changing tires. We went on a vacation and when we stopped for fuel I decided to check the tires. We almost had a fight because of the old "it's always been like that and I've never had a problem" to which my standard reply is "My grandmother was always alive until she died". Had to point her to the car's sticker with the tires pressure and do some severe safety Mainsplaining. She grumped a long tantrum face but ended up swalowing it.

[@alexk.7250]

@@Bigvs.Dickvs That escalated quickly, are we still talking about the tires?

[@simonanderson1433]

@@alexk.7250 hahaha