Proper tire pressures, 17" wheels?

woorob · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:31 AM

Hi,

I did a search on this but surprisingly could not find a definite answer.

The TPM on my Cayman (base) with 17" wheels shows 24 in each front tire, and 36 in each rear tire (cold).

I recall on my R32 a debate as to the proper tire pressures. There was quite a difference between the US and German specifications.

What are the best air pressures (cold) for my car at an elevation of only about 1,000 feet or so (Minnesota)? My bias is towards comfort, not handling.

TIA.

**Papa in Austin** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:36 AM

look on the inside of the front door and the recommended tire pressures are posted on a small plate just in front of the gills

Quote:

Originally Posted by woorob

Hi,

I did a search on this but surprisingly could not find a definite answer.

The TPM on my Cayman (base) with 17" wheels shows 24 in each front tire, and 36 in each rear tire (cold).

I recall on my R32 a debate as to the proper tire pressures. There was quite a difference between the US and German specifications.

What are the best air pressures (cold) for my car at an elevation of only about 1,000 feet or so (Minnesota)? My bias is towards comfort, not handling.

TIA.

woorob · #3 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa in Austin

look on the inside of the front door and the recommended tire pressures are posted on a small plate just in front of the gills

Thanks. But are the pressures listed the best ones to use?

**Papa in Austin** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 02:38 AM

can't imagine why you would want to alter the recommended pressures
guess you could go down, less pressure, and get more comfort
but I'd think tire wear would be as important and you'd get less miles out of the tires, probably hurt fuel economy, too
but maybe the above items aren't important to you
you could always experiment and drop a couple of psi and see if the ride is more comfortable
sorry, I can't be of more assistance but I'm using recommended settings and getting great tire wear (although on 19 inch wheels my ride probably isn't at the comfort level you seek)

Quote:

Originally Posted by woorob

Thanks. But are the pressures listed the best ones to use?

**gfspencer** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:37 PM

IMHO you already have the best "comfort" wheel/tire combination that you can get. Lowering your tire pressure on a 17" tire isn't going to make the ride much smoother and - like Papa in Austin said - it might cause premature tire wear and poor fuel mileage. I would go with what's on the door.

I might get some disagreement here but the TPMS isn't a lot of help when it comes to accurately monitoring tire pressure. I think it's there to warn you that you have a low tire. Get a good pressure gauge and go by that.

fjn356 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-21-2007, 02:50 AM

I am using 17" wheels on a 2006 CS for touring and using the as delivered 19" wheels for local fun. My door panel refers to 18" wheels and my manual refers to 18" and 19" wheels. If someone would look on their door panel and tell me what is recomended for 17" wheels, I would appreciate it.

**gfspencer** · #7 (**permalink**) 08-21-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjn356

I am using 17" wheels on a 2006 CS for touring and using the as delivered 19" wheels for local fun. My door panel refers to 18" wheels and my manual refers to 18" and 19" wheels. If someone would look on their door panel and tell me what is recomended for 17" wheels, I would appreciate it.

The owner's manual says 29 front/36 rear for both 17" & 18" wheels. The door panel on my car says 30/37 for 18" wheels. It doesn't tell me what 17" wheels should have . . . even though my car came with 17" wheels. (I have since switched to 18" wheels.)