I have a 2008 RX with the 18" seven spoke liquid graphite wheels. The sticker on the door states the PSI should be 30. However, when I set this air pressure in the wheel, my tire pressure monitoring light comes on. If I increase about 32 PSI, it goes off. What am I missing??

 

The TPM was most likely reset when the tires were above 30. If you want to run them at 30, then read the manual and reset the TPM for that pressure. 30 is low based upon most member comments--32 or 34 is more common and will wear better, a little better fuel mileage, and little damage to ride.

 

I use 35. A little stiffer, but corners much better.

 

34 here on OEM Michelins, 7 spoke graphite wheels.....rides like a champ.

 

X2 I also have the 18 inch 7 spoke graphite wheels with the OEM Michelins.

 

Thanks to all for your replies - I have the 18" Michelin OEMs on the wheels - It seems like 34 psi is the consensus to better ride, however, is it optimal for better fuel economy and wear?

 

34 is good. I tried 36, it was too stiff and bumpy. 34 seems to be the optimal ride, not soft, not bumpy. Check air pressure once/2 weeks. You lose 1~2 psi per 2 weeks.

 

The reason I asked this was I left the dealer about two weeks ago and when I went to do my routine air pressure check, it was set at 36 by the dealer, which shocked me! I will adjust to 34 as per your recommendation.

Any thoughts on snow tire pressure? I'm running Michelin Latitude X-Ices on the 17" stock wheels.

 

Note that no one said 34 psi was a better ride - they said better cornering, fuel economy, etc (you will actually have a deterioration in ride when you raise the pressure). If you want a better ride you LOWER the tire pressure which makes them softer, but at the expense of wear, cornering etc. I have always read that tire pressures were a compromise between ride comfort and handling. They are usually the opposite of each other as far as pressure is concerned. If you want a nice compromise, go with what your manual states.

In most cases, without reading any manual, I tell my friends and family to set tire pressures at 30-32. The lone exception is my daughter's Dodge Caravan and it takes 34 psi, iirc. The 30-32 psi works for my wifes' RX, my BMW 3 series or my 37 year old Corvette.