Tire PSI with 20" wheels
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: CA
Tire PSI with 20" wheels
I did a search but couldn't find a generally accepted answer.
If you're running 20" wheels with 30 series tires, what PSI would you set you front and rear tires to?
If you're running 20" wheels with 30 series tires, what PSI would you set you front and rear tires to?
Last edited by mcamson; Apr 2, 2009 at 09:37 PM.
there is no standard or must
if you want, even the factory spec of 32/33psi will work just fine on 20s. however, with the lower profile tires, you risk more on damaging your wheels if you hit potholes or so. that's why some might recommend a bit higher psi for protection.
with that said, too high psi will get you over-inflation and premature center wear on the tires. so it's a toss
to me, i put 38-40psi cold (make sure it's at cold) on my 20s. i used to run 44psi and i got center wear and the ride was a lot harsher than i'd like
if you want, even the factory spec of 32/33psi will work just fine on 20s. however, with the lower profile tires, you risk more on damaging your wheels if you hit potholes or so. that's why some might recommend a bit higher psi for protection.
with that said, too high psi will get you over-inflation and premature center wear on the tires. so it's a toss
to me, i put 38-40psi cold (make sure it's at cold) on my 20s. i used to run 44psi and i got center wear and the ride was a lot harsher than i'd like
Last edited by rominl; Apr 2, 2009 at 10:19 AM.
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Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 347
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From: Ohio
Well I've heard 33-35psi from 3 different reputable sources. A tech at Lexus told me this, so did the shop who sold and installed my wheels. The owner/manager there who I know has been in the wheel business for a decade, so I would think he knows what he's talking about. It's a shop that specializes in wheels and has several large locations.
you have no idea how many "professionals" i talk to who actually know less than what i do as a weekend warrior. but like i said, if you are rolling on silky smooth roads like autobahn, put it factory 32psi for sure!
i do learn from experts, but at the same time i make sure i understand the reason behind so i can make my own judgment
and btw, 35 series mean nothing. 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 have the same profile, it wouldn't make any sense to have different pressure between them
i do learn from experts, but at the same time i make sure i understand the reason behind so i can make my own judgment
and btw, 35 series mean nothing. 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 have the same profile, it wouldn't make any sense to have different pressure between them
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MA
The suspension design of the car will affact the proper PSI setting as well. The Lexus recommanded PSI for the oem 17" 50 series tires are 32 PSI already. Going down to a 30 series there will be much less sidewall. To compensate for the decrease in sidewall height, the PSI should be higher assuming the suspension and tire width is the same.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
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From: BC
folks, the only reason for having higher psi in your tires is to avoid bending your expensive wheels when you inadvertently hit a pothole. if you don't care about potential wheel damage, by all means go with the regular psi that the "professionals" recommend. as for me, i'm gonna go with what i think is best. 
The suspension design of the car will affact the proper PSI setting as well. The Lexus recommanded PSI for the oem 17" 50 series tires are 32 PSI already. Going down to a 30 series there will be much less sidewall. To compensate for the decrease in sidewall height, the PSI should be higher assuming the suspension and tire width is the same.
on the is-f (19s) they do recommend higher psi though