So now you can't scroll through the displays between the gauges every once and a while to check the tire pressures? Please.

And yes there is still a warning.,

This is the 7th gen ES forum so how it works on your 2011 is not of topic.

 

I'm not saying, "I can't," but my guess is that 99% of people will not scroll through their menus monthly to check their tire pressures, and will simply rely on a warning light when a tire drops below 25%. That's fine for flats, but not for keeping all four tires in an acceptable range for optimal safety and performance.

Sorry for living. I guess I forgot that CL posts never go off topic! I only referenced my own tire pressure monitoring in my 2011 (and all my vehicles) because 703 was questioning my avoidance of monthly pressure checking as opposed to my tried-and-true 6-month airing strategy. 7th gen owners could benefit from my perspectives/protocols, I think.

 

 

This is a ridiculous conversation lol. Checking the pressures in this car is just a non issue.

The bottom line is, lower pressures will dramatically improve the ride, with little to no impact on treadwear. If you have issues with the ride, that’s the first place to start.

 

You're missing my point (or simply not reading my posts). I'm not saying checking the pressures is difficult in the ES or any vehicle. I'm saying most people simply don't. That's why I offered my protocol to fill tires 2 lbs over spec and six months later when the next oil change is due, they'll be approximately 2 lbs under, and ready for a re-fill.

How much lower than spec do you recommend? Personally, I wouldn't go lower than spec, knowing the tires will naturally leak air and within 6 months, be an additional four pounds lower, on top your suggested reduced set-point. These lower pressures could have safety/handling implications. You may think this is ridiculous, but, automotive engineers wouldn't.

Bottom line, if someone wanted to run 3 lbs under for added comfort, I wouldn't have and aneurysm over it, but would make them promise to refill to that lower level every month or two (even though I know most people won't).

 

But thats not the topic of this thread. The OP was asking for advice because he's not happy with the ride in his 7th gen ES. Your protocol has nothing to do with that and would not help with his issue.

I would run them 3+/- pounds under spec if you want a softer ride than you're getting at spec. For instance my S Class calls for 35, I run them 32 or so cold. My LS sedans called for 33, I ran them at 30. The difference in ride is substantial.

I forget what the spec was on my 2010 ES, but my 2003 ES was 29. My LS400 and LS430 were also 29. Over time carmakers have raised the spec PSI in an effort to improve fuel economy.

Also like I said, I only have to add air when the pressure drops from fall to winter. From winter to spring I have actually removed air.

 

My first advice was for the OP to get tires rated high for comfort and noise. I disagreed with others who said reducing tire pressures was a good solution, and explained why. That led to the tire pressure discussion. So, I even refute your implication that I'm off topic.

If one is going to run 3 lbs below spec, it's important one monitor the pressures more closely.

 

I think it’s the same as checking your underwear for skid marks. Some just refuse to do it even if the smell was obvious.

 

Even with the best quality tires, tire pressure will have a huge impact on ride quality. Try it.

Been driving cars with below spec pressures for many years, no issues and no need to monitor pressures more closely. Even if it did though, the reason I buy a car like this is for the great ride...

 

It's much easier to check the tire pressures unless you want to pull your pants down

 

Yes, everything is fine until it isn't! From Consumer Reports: "...a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforces that advice by determining that vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. And tires underinflated up to 25 percent run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and at the very least adversely affecting handling and tread life."

My point being...if one is going to run underinflated, monitor monthly and refill as needed so pressures don't fall below 25%. The last sentence even implies under inflation "up to" 25% is problematic. As you mentioned before, a drop in atmospheric pressures and temps will drop pressures. So, if one fills one's tires 3 lbs under, then doesn't check it for 6 mos, then the weather changes, one could get close to the 25% under mark, without even being aware, as the warning light doesn't come on until it hits 25% under. Then, they load up the car with the whole family and gear, and take off on a day trip, on high-speed freeways. This could lead to a lifetime of misery, and/or death.

Steve, you're a smart guy, and I know you would never put your family in danger. However, consider the average motorist who only pays attention to the maintenance of their vehicle when it's making a really loud noise or when it breaks. I'm still certain my protocol is best for most drivers.

 

Again...all of the tire pressures are available with one press of a button, and the car warns you if your tires are below 25% of the recommended pressure, so at 3 PSI if they go 15% lower than that you get a warning. This is just a non issue.

You are also assuming that the vehicle spec is the minimum safe pressure...its not. Its a *recommended* pressure determined by the vehicle manufacturer to balance tread wear, ride and drive characteristics and fuel economy, and in recent years it has been more and more emphasized towards economy, which is why recommended pressures have been going up and up over the years. Look at a Prius, the recommended pressures are like 40, and look at a Corolla, they're like 35. Why? Not because of safety, its because of fuel economy and how the Prius as a vehicle puts more emphasis on economy and thus Toyota determined the recommended pressures based on that.

 

It's a non issue for those who press the button monthly. Most drivers don't.

I'm not assuming, I'm following the manufacturer's and the NHTSA recommendations.

 

Good for you.

To everybody else, if you find the ride hard check your tire pressures, and consider running lower pressures.

 

I think everybody else checked out of this thread long ago. Thanks for the lively debate/discussion!