Tire Pressure

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Important: All information is believed correct, and it is given in good faith, but I cannot be held responsible if it is not correct or does not work for you.

When we got our 99xk8 I had all the tires replaced with Michelin sport P245/50R17 tires at $250.00 a tire. I never checked the tire pressure but they handled well on the open highway and in the turns. After many miles I had one tire leaking air. I found that the tire was leaking around the tire bead due to a rim problem. When I had it removed to clean the oxidation on the aluminum rims I noticed that the center of the tire was worn greater than the outer tread so I checked the other 3. They had the same wear pattern. All tires had a range of 45 to 50 psi in them with the exception of the one leaking air.  To make a much longer story short the improper wear prevented my car from passing inspection. I replaced all 4 and continue to check the tire pressure for the cars recommendation and today they are still on the car and are wearing properly. Who knew the tire shop would fill the tires well over the recommended pressure.

Today I checked the tires with a tire gauge that measures the depth in increments of 1/32 of an inch.  All tire pressure 32 in front and 35 in the rear.  Recommended is 32 in front and 34 in the rear.  When I changed the tires I kept the best tire as the spare.    The tire pressure was changed to 30 in front and 32 in the rear using Nitro in March of 09.

 11/22/08   Pressure 32 & 35                                               7/13/09 Nitro Pressure 30 & 32

Tire Location            Outside            Inside            Inside     Outside            Inside            Inside

Spare                            5/32            2/32            6/32        5/32                2/32                6/32

Left Front                    8/32            6/32            8/32         6/32                5/32                6/32

Right Front                  8/32            6/32            8/32        6/32                5/32                6/32

Left Rear                   6/32            4/32            5/32         5/32                4/32                4/32

Right Rear                 6/32            4/32            5/32        5/32                4/32                4/32

Comfort and handling is a preference that can cost you later down the road. My recommendation would be to use the recommended manufactures pressure and then if you elect to make changes it is your dime. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Tire Wear  http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch25/25readtirewear.html