Alloy wheels - tyre pressure

[ocelot0411]

I am embarrassed to ask this as its probably really stupid, but anyway :Blush2:

When you have alloy wheels on your car, should these be inflated to a different pressure to factory fitted tyres and if so how do I find out what the tyre pressure should be?

I know that the tyre pressure for factory fitted tyre is in the inside of the fuel flap cover, but when I went to inflate my tyres this morning the machine started to deflate them as they were higher pressure than the 24 psi as recommended on the fuel flap cover...........hence the question!

Thanks all.

[onzarob]

what size wheels and tyres do you have?

[shaft-50]

Think it depends on the size of wheel/tyre. best asking a tyre place. they should be able to advise you.

[RickT]

In my opinion 24 psi is too low, its will feel like jelly...

If for example you are on 15 or 16 inch rims, aim for around 32-35psi.

On my A4 with 235 17 inch rims, i run them at 38-40 psi all round as it feels I get better performance from the rubber and eliminate rim damaged on all the pot holes in my area!

As said above.. thats just my opinion... try 30 psi and see how it feels..

Just to add.. i also have a 1.9tdi SE Golf, Mk5, and run them at 36 psi.

Rick

[ocelot0411]

Right sorry it took me a while to get back to you but I didn't know what tyres I had on (ahem :Blush2:).

They are Bridgestone Potenza 17 inch 225/55's!

Would you go for the same on these Rick or would I find out on a Bridgestone website? I agree that 24 psi seems really low.

Ta guys

D

[RickT]

225/55's?

are you sure they are not 45's, ?

17inch 55's are normally found on A6's, BMW 5 series etc...

Can you get a photo uploaded so we can see which alloys they are please?

Rick

[gbrad2x]

Guys just check the max psi figure written on the tire for peats sake!!

If its max psi of 51psi as it is on my bora with 16inch you should give them about 38-40 front and 36-38 rear...

I find that if I put any less than 35 psi in my tires the handling is comprised greatly...

Over 40 and the ride is a little shakey

[ocelot0411]

Rick sorry you are right they are 45s. Here's a pic

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb58/Ocelot0411/2009_0620Peper0006.jpg

had a look on the tyre and it says max pressure 49psi. Never knew that was there!

[gbrad2x]

Great. So now you can put 36 in the front and 34 in the rear for the best compromise between comfort and handling. If the car is usually fully laden then I would go 38 fornt and 36 rear :beerchug:

[onzarob]

max pressure 49psi. !

thats the MAX not a running pressure. between 32 and 36 will be about right

[doobs]

I have factory fitted 15" alloys and recommended tyre pressure in fuel flap is 2.0 bar - which I understand is 29psi - i tend to inflate slightly higher by a few psi

[24seven]

Rick sorry you are right they are 45s. Here's a pic

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb58/Ocelot0411/2009_0620Peper0006.jpg

had a look on the tyre and it says max pressure 49psi. Never knew that was there!

They look like the wheels that came standard on the GT Sport, not sure if the tire size is the same, if it is then you might get an idea of what to run them at.

[RickT]

45 profile, i would run these at around 38psi... (well, in fact i do.)

Rick