Tire pressure for 17" Sports Pack wheels

[Diesel_vert]

Standard load and extra load tyres follow different load capacity curves at the same inflation pressure, so it is usually best practice to increase the inflation pressure of an extra load tyre if the difference in load index (when compared to a standard load tyre) is less than 4.

Load capacity per tyre @ 2.2 / 2.0 bar:

84 = 450 kg / 420 kg

85 = 465 kg / 430 kg

86 = 480 kg / 445 kg

87 XL = 435 kg / 405 kg


Load capacity per tyre @ 2.4 / 2.2 bar:

87 XL = 470 kg / 435 kg


Just a curious observation is all.

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[nomadx38]

@diesel vert,

Thx for the information, usually with any tyre I go about half way between the min and max. With my 15" continental I usually do 2.3bar back and front so I'll probs do the same with the 17". I have got good mileage out of them at this tyre pressure and it didn't eat out the centres of the tyres so I'll think I'll play it by ear, but at least there is not to much variance between the two types of rims. I thought there could have been a large difference because one is a quite low profile.

[Diesel_vert]

I thought there could have been a large difference because one is a quite low profile.

There is a large difference... if you look at the inflation pressures for the 1.4 GTI DSG (which come with the same 215/40 R17 87V XL tyres from the factory):

Normal load
2.7 front / 2.5 rear

Full load
2.9 front / 3.1 rear


In my view, I don't think the 1.2 TSI DSG is light enough to warrant a full 0.5 bar reduction for 215/40 R17 (a 0.3 bar reduction seems more logical), but there we are.

[nomadx38]

What I meant there was no difference between what vw recommends for both rims both the 15" and 17" rims for the 77tsi. I checked my tire pressure card against the one posted earlier.

The GTI has different tyre pressures because it it's heavier overall (about 100kgs I think) so that's fine, I understand that, is odd though that it is .5bar more though...

I thought with the stardard 77tsi with 15" rims been 2.2bar min and 2.4bar max for the front, the 77tsi with sports pack 17" rims must be about say 2.4bar min and 2.6bar max for the front (etc for the back) but it's the exact same going by the tire pressure card. If its what vw recommend then I'm happy.

Anyway thanks for the insight, gave me a bit to think about :p

[Sword_Dude]

OK call me an idiot.

Stupid Question of the week.


If the tyre placard says 2.20 bar (about 32psi), why would you increase the pressure to 2.4 bar, shouldn't VW now what the correct pressure is for the tyres they put on the cars.

cheers

[nomadx38]

@ sword dude

Tyres react differently to different pressures, some handle better with more pressure some are more comfortable with less. Some can also scrub out the centres or the sidewalls of the tyres if the pressure is to high / low.

Vw give a recommended range to accommodate for extra load and the way the tyre reacts to the suspension / road conditions. I tend to run my Continentials at 230kpa, because it handles better in the corners, and doesn't squeal when i take a corner too hard XD. The centres don't scrub out either so I'm happy to stick to it.

[gavs]

Personally, 36 front 38-39 rear with rear sway bar on mid stiffness. On firm, 37 all round.

[Diesel_vert]

If the tyre placard says 2.20 bar (about 32psi), why would you increase the pressure to 2.4 bar, shouldn't VW now what the correct pressure is for the tyres they put on the cars.

You could argue that, as long as the tyres can support the axle load, there's no real right or wrong inflation pressure. It's all about reaching the best compromise between ride, handling, grip, wear, comfort, stability, durability, etc, etc, etc, depending on your requirements.

I just happen to think that 2.3/2.1 or 2.4/2.2 bar for 215/40 R17 87V XL tyres on a 1.2 TSI is a better compromise than 2.2/2.0 bar.