<VV> tire pressure gauge

[Frank DuVal]

I was just saying that the gauge could read 40, but not really have 40 
psi in the tire.  I was not recommending running over pressure.

But...

Since you asked,

I regularly ran 235/75R15 Snow tires on my large station wagons. Even 
though the sidewalls clearly said they were rated for 35 psi, I ran them 
at 40 psi to get the sag out of the sidewalls and keep down that tail 
wagging feel. Against all rules? YES! But it worked for me for years. 
And they didn't wear the center, as one would expect with over 
inflation. The current wagon (94 Caprice w/ posi) does OK at 35 (35 on 
most of my gauges!ggg). It is less than 4k lbs. Tire store was surprised 
they fit in those wheel wells.

During autocrosses, I have run the rear tires on Corvairs at 40 psi. 
Removed the wheel covers also...

YMMV

Frank DuVal

On 2/8/2012 1:02 AM, J R Read wrote:
> Hi Frank,
>
> Essentially I agree with the points you make.  I disagree with some - 
> especially the one below:
>
> PASTE
>
> Who cares if the best feel is
> 20, 30, or 40 on some arbitrary gauge, as long as you can repeat it?
>
> END PASTE
>
> 40psi is too high for most tires - which generally have a max rating 
> on the sidewall of around 35.  Filling a cool tire to 40 and then 
> taking it on a summer time road trip could be hazardous to your 
> continued good health. This is likely true even if the gauge being 
> used reads 5psi on the high side (I assume that most don't).
>
> You are right that the TPMS only shows the low side.  Just give that 
> one a few more years and the rules will change again!
>
> Regarding repeatable, my practice is to check (same gauge) each tire a 
> minimum of twice - and 3 - even 4 times if the first two did not 
> agree. Each car has a gauge in the glove box and the one I feel is 
> most accurate is on the bench in the garage (near the compressor) in a 
> coffee can marked "air tools".  The glove box gauges rarely get used.
>
> Later, JR
>
>