Best PSI For Snow Tires?

Hi: Trying to figure out the optimal tire pressure for my Blizzak
WS-50's which are on my '92 Accord, and also my Michelin X-Ice
that I have on my '04 Accord. The mechanic insalling these put
in about 28 psi all around. This seems low, but if it would add
more safety verus the usual 35 psi, then I suppose its alright.
Any thoughts and/or experiences would be appreciated. - Paul

 

I run the maximum for the tire in my tires all year long. I have no problem
with abnormal wear patterns or premature wearing out of the rubber. Also,
with a harder tire, you get better fuel mileage.

 

And better traction. Softer tires tend to close the tread and slip. ONly
thing softer tires will do is ride softer. Pump them up!

 

And better traction. Softer tires tend to close the tread and slip. ONly
thing softer tires will do is ride softer.[/QUOTE]

Umm...tread doesn't cause traction. Rubber on the road causes traction.

Closing the tread won't cause slip unless there's water or snow, then
the tread gets the water/snow out so the rubber can meet the asphalt and
provide grip.

Softer tires provide more grip on pavement.

 

Umm...tread doesn't cause traction. Rubber on the road causes traction.

Closing the tread won't cause slip unless there's water or snow, then
the tread gets the water/snow out so the rubber can meet the asphalt and
provide grip.

Softer tires provide more grip on pavement.
[/QUOTE]

Every car has the recommended tire pressures posted on a label, usually
on one of the door posts. This is the pressure you should set the tires
at when they are COLD.

Increasing pressure slightly may sharpen response and make the ride a bit
harsher. Increasing pressure too much will cause the handling to become
'twitchy', and can lead to a loss of control.

Decreasing pressure can lead to a loss of handling. That said, the one
time you might want to decrease pressure is if you are driving in very
deep snow (or soft sand). This can allow the car to float on top of the
snow instead of sinking into it. It is risky because you could damage
the tires or wheels if you continue to drive on low pressure after getting
out of the deep snow. However, if the snow is so deep that you keep
getting stuck, it can be a good emergency measure.

Years ago, car manufacturers might recommend tire pressures that would
promote ride over handling, but they don't really have the option to do
that these days.

Dan

(This account is not used for email.)

 

Agreed. At least *start* there. Some people prefer it a few pounds one
way or the other, for whatever reason.

 

The OP was asking about snow tires.