Kia Forte Forum banner
Cancel

40 psi tires = 35 MPG!

10869 Views 25 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  ryude, 
R
Yup, finally hit 35 MPG today. At the beginning of this tank, I aired tires up from 32 to 40 psi. I was thinking it would make for a harsh ride and such, but it's actually a little smoother and cornering has really improved.

But one thing I didn't expect was the increase in MPG!

32 PSI same trip to/from work @ 60 MPH = 31.90 MPG
40 PSI same trip to/from work @ 60 MPH = 34.97 MPG

Disclaimer: I do not represent forteforums.com, do this at your own risk, yada yada yada.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 11 of 26 Posts
R
You have the SX, different tires. Some tires perform better with higher PSI.
Reply
Save
Like
R
Mine came at 32 PSI, because that's what the dealer recommends.
Reply
Save
Like
R
jeff613 said:
Love the Disclaimer!!:D
Perhaps you should inform your dealer of this mod!:cool:
Click to expand...
I'm sure they'd get a kick out of it :D
Reply
Save
Like
R
2
Can I just say that the tire manufacturer's max psi rating will get you the best fuel economy, the longest tread life, more even tread wear, BUT you will sacrifice ride quality and a little traction.

There has been no evidence that running a higher tire pressure was the direct cause of what you claim CorsaKoup.

Here are published numbers for Goodyear Tires with a Max Sidewall Inflation Pressure of 35 PSI for vehicles that 'recommend' a pressure below the maximum.

#############################

Dry Macadam Surface
(Stopping Distance in Feet)

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport__20 psi__28 psi__35 psi
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________75.5____76.2____75.8
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS__________69.9____68.1____66.3
Full Depth Tread without ABS______98.3____95.9____91.6

1997 Ford Ranger
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________80.8____78.2____77.6
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS__________79.0____74.8____71.4
Full Depth Tread without ABS______97.8____96.5____94.1

#############################

0.02 Inch Wet Macadam Surface
(Stopping Distance in Feet)

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport__20 psi__28 psi__35 psi
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________79.8____78.5____77.1
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS__________84.7____73.7____81.4
Full Depth Tread without ABS_____111.1___110.2___108.6

1997 Ford Ranger
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________83.8____81.5____79.8
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS__________91.5____89.4____84.6
Full Depth Tread without ABS_____131.9___126.0___118.4

#############################

0.05 Inch Wet Macadam Surface
(Stopping Distance in Feet)

2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport__20 psi__28 psi__35 psi
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________80.0____81.1____82.7
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS_________103.7____99.7____92.2
Full Depth Tread without ABS_____118.0___112.2___111.7

1997 Ford Ranger
Full Depth Tread with ABS_________89.7____86.0____81.5
1/2 Depth Tread with ABS_________125.7___118.5___104.5
Full Depth Tread without ABS_____142.9___134.8___125.7

#############################

Picture of a tire with over 35k miles at 50 PSI, if you can see any signs of abnormal tire wear please let me know.


Taken from: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...24-integritys-over-35k-miles-50-psi-pics.html

Same tire at the recommended 32 PSI
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
R
Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend 50+, but I always go by the max psi rating on the tire's sidewall. If it says 44, I recommend 40. If it says 51, I recommend 45. If you put 32 psi in a tire that has a max psi rating of 44, you WILL see uneven tread wear.
Reply
Save
Like
R
How many miles, I bet they start to show uneven wear by 12,000 miles.
Reply
Save
Like
R
I live in Louisiana, therefore the heat will cause the pressure to go up. I don't want the tires to be over the max psi, so I put them at about 90% of the max. The second you start to drive all of your tires pressure will increase.

Always check and air your tires when it's cold outside, in the shade. If you want a softer ride, then the 32 psi will suit you well.
Reply
Save
Like
R
CorsaKoup said:
I can't even imagine the lumber wagon ride my car would give me if I put max pressure in my tires. Train tracks rattle my teeth at 32 psi.
Click to expand...
I hear ya man, train tracks hurt me no matter what lol. I can live with the harsh ride, but I am in the minority as far as this topic goes.
Reply
Save
Like
R
Just did a new tank, cruise at 70 MPH instead of 60 MPH. I got 34.0 MPG this time, so cruising speed doesn't affect this car as much as others I guess because of it's tall ass gearing.
Reply
Save
Like
R
Another tank, cruise at 70 MPH.

372 Miles
10.140 Gallons
--------------
36.7 MPG

Just before this tank I switched from 0w20 Synpower Valvoline to 5w20 Synthetic O'Reilly's motor oil. I kept tire pressure at 40 PSI.

I can't wait to get my UltraGauge in, hopefully I can reach my goal of 40 MPG.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 11 of 26 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Kia Forte Forum
Forte Forums are where you can talk about the latest Kia sedans including the Kia Forte5 and Kia Forte Koup.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Koup General Discussion New Member Introductions Sedan General Discussion Forte Audio, Video and Electronics Forte Wheels & Tires
Top