Tyre Pressures for R36 wagon

[Radius]

Hi team again,


Sorry for the separate post but a separate question - What tyre pressures do people prefer to use on their R36's, and do you vary them according to your usage?

This is the first time we've had a car with (yes I know, only RELATIVELY ) low profile tyres and was shocked the first time self-maintaining how high the recommended pressures are. We've so far been maintaining it at 340kPa (our previous cars on 55 - 65 apsect ratio have only ever run on 260-280kPa)
Our R36 spends most of its time relatively unburdened with two to four passengers in city running and I'm hoping for a good balanced compromise between ride & handling. Tyres we have are the Conti CS3's.

[Diesel_vert]

Note - all values are based on cold tyres.

A general guide for tyre pressures is to inflate them to values which will support the tyre's maximum load. For standard load tyres it's 250 kPa (36 psi), and for reinforced (Rf.) or extra load (XL) tyres it's 290 kPa (42 psi). Pressures higher than these values will not increase the load capacity of the tyre but may be increased to suit personal preferences.

Caution! - do not inflate beyond 320 kPa (46 psi) for tyres with a speed rating up to and including T, and 350 kPa (51 psi) for tyres H rated and above.



I imagine the R36 comes with XL tyres, so you can safely reduce the pressure to 290 kPa, for reasons stated above. This will probably give you a more compliant ride with little, if any, detriment in handling. There's no real need to keep it 340 kPa, unless the manufacturer says so or you are happy with the feel.

[Murray]

Not too sure about pressures on a Wagon but R 36 sedans on part load (2 x adults) the recommended pressure is 39 psi.

cheers

Murray

[brad]

This is the first time we've had a car with (yes I know, only RELATIVELY ) low profile tyres and was shocked the first time self-maintaining how high the recommended pressures are. We've so far been maintaining it at 340kPa (our previous cars on 55 - 65 apsect ratio have only ever run on 260-280kPa)
.

Where are you getting the figure of 340kPa from?

What does the placard on the inside fuel filler flap recommend?

340kpa is 49psi isn't it? That would be the maximum pressure embossed on the sidewall of the tyre, no?

[Rob Burns]

Your recommended tyre pressures are on the inside of your fuel flap. Off the top of my head it is 270kpa for up to 3 occupants and 290kpa for a full load car. You should also reset your Tyre pressure monitors after you set your tyre pressures.

[Umai Naa!!]

I run them at 40psi, regardless.

Think longevity, not comfort.

[Pana]

I run them at 40psi, regardless.

Think longevity, not comfort.

+1

have run all cars I've owned at 40psi. Longevity and handling are more important to me than a slight increase in ride comfort that comes with lower pressures.

[apom]

Your recommended tyre pressures are on the inside of your fuel flap. Off the top of my head it is 270kpa for up to 3 occupants and 290kpa for a full load car. You should also reset your Tyre pressure monitors after you set your tyre pressures.

Huh, reset them, looks like something else i need to read up on?

[R36 Dreamer]

Huh, reset them, looks like something else i need to read up on?

No reset required on R36, which has proper TPMS and not ABS system.

Cheers

[Rthirsty6]

Hi team again,


Sorry for the separate post but a separate question - What tyre pressures do people prefer to use on their R36's, and do you vary them according to your usage?

I run mine at around 2.5 bar (250kPa) for normal use, which is similar usage as yours. I haven't had any issues so far. If I know I will be doing some high speed cornering, or have a long trip with a full car then I might increase the pressures. Tyre pressures are a bit of a trade-off, higher pressures = better cornering, better fuel economy and quicker wear, whilst lower pressures = more 'rolling' of the tyres through corners, higher fuel consumption, more comfort and a more even wear across the thread. I usually check how the tyre is wearing, if it is wearing more in the centre, then I deflate slightly. I would not recommend going below 250kPa though as too soft means more heat generation and quicker wear, as well as too much sidewall flexing. The placard is a general guide and caters for a broad range of use, for obvious reasons. Best is for you to try a few different and work out what works for you.
Good place to start is this forum and check what others are going (as you did).
Good luck!