kjbro

My 1995 LS 400 stipulates that the tire pressure should be around 29lbs. for the front and 30-31 lbs. for the back, regardless of tire make, posted max. pressure, etc. Was interested to know how owners handle this. I assumed that the tire ratings indicated the amount of pressure, but a local tire dealer said to check my owners manual for tire pressure. What do you guys think?

velandia

my 2 cents...

I always set tire pressure to max allowed on the tire (usually 35psi) - measured cold.

I do this to optimize for gas milage and tire life. The ride is sligtly firmer, and I dont notice degradation in handling for everyday driving.

Frankly I dont see a reason manufacturers spec tire pressure lower than the max amount on the tires - hopefully one of the club lexus members can shed light on this one.

-Mo

kjbro

Thanks Velandia, my thoughts the same. I always set pressure around the same levels and never looked in drivers manual. I hope more post their thoughts.

SharpLS-96

32psi cold all around.

jtparkes

The pressure listed on the tire is the maximum pressure for the tire, and NOT the recommended pressure. You should follow the recommendation for the car, not the tire. I was confused by this too until recently... However, when you think about it, it makes sense: most tires can fit a number of cars, which have different weights, wheelbases suspension and handling characteristics. It would seem that these would all impact the pressure you should put in the tire, and so the vehicle would dictate the pressure not the tire.

kjbro

Thanks jtparkes, I agree. I just have not seen a recommended pressure of under 30 lbs before on any of my past cars and that got me thinking. I wonder if the lower pressure helps with the smooth ride that we all enjoy, however, I would rather have the quality suspension get the credit.

kreativ

The '02 ES has a recommended tire pressure of 29psi.

I agree with jtparkes. The maximum amount of pressure the tire can take does not equal the recommended pressure for all the different cars that type of tire is on. It's more of a "Don't exceed this pressure rating no matter what" figure.

There are web sites where you can find out the disadvantages of overinflation and underinflation.