fuzz-ion Report post Posted December 11, 2007 My new Fusion SE has P205/60 R16 tires that say that the maximum inflation is 44 psi. The sticker in the driver's door says to inflate the tires to 34 psi. Which should I do? In the past I've gone by what the tires themselves say, and I usually feel a firmer ride with more air, but I wonder which is better for the car, handling, fuel economy, safety...Any thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akirby Report post Posted December 11, 2007 My new Fusion SE has P205/60 R16 tires that say that the maximum inflation is 44 psi. The sticker in the driver's door says to inflate the tires to 34 psi. Which should I do? In the past I've gone by what the tires themselves say, and I usually feel a firmer ride with more air, but I wonder which is better for the car, handling, fuel economy, safety...Any thoughts? The rating on the tire has nothing to do with the recommended pressure - that's just an upper limit that says the tire may fail is you go higher than that. In most cases you should never get close. I like to run 2 or 3 lbs higher than recommended for better steering response and fuel economy. That's usually safe. Don't go below the factory recommendation and if you go higher watch for uneven wear, especially in the center of the tread - that indicates overinflation. Outside of that you just need to try it and see how it feels. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dyoct Report post Posted December 12, 2007 It's a compromise. Inflate to the tire for best handling and fuel economy. The tradeoff is typically more Noise/Vibration/Harshness which is where the "recommended" setting comes from as a way to minimize NVH. Do not exceed the 44psi mark. And I wouldn't go lower than the 34 mark. That's my story to dealers and customers and I'm sticking to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbf2530 Report post Posted December 12, 2007 My new Fusion SE has P205/60 R16 tires that say that the maximum inflation is 44 psi. The sticker in the driver's door says to inflate the tires to 34 psi. Which should I do? In the past I've gone by what the tires themselves say, and I usually feel a firmer ride with more air, but I wonder which is better for the car, handling, fuel economy, safety...Any thoughts? Hi fuzz-ion. :D Like akirby said, you can go 2-3 pounds over the Ford recommended pressure (34psi). It will give you better gas mileage, longer tire life, and a little better handling, with only a slightly harder ride (which most people will never notice). Never approach the "Maximum Pressure" listed on the tire. To briefly explain. The "Maximum Pressure" listed on the tire is put there by the tire manufacturer. Look at it as a severe warning not to go near this PSI. Not as a recommendation. They manufacture a tire, usually with some input from the auto manufacturers. Ford then decides to put that tire on one of their cars (in this case, the Fusion). Ford then performs exhaustive testing to find the tire pressure which will give the best combination of ride, handling, fuel mileage etc. In this case, Ford specifies 34 PSI. As any tire expert will tell you, never go below the recommended tire pressure, and 2-3 pounds above can improve mpg, tire life, and handling. Again, the best way to look at "Maximum Pressure" printed on the side wall, is that it is a severe warning not to go above (or near) that pressure at any time, or else you face the chance of catastrophic tire failure. And since Ford recommends 34 PSI, they also feel that you should go no where near 44 PSI. Long story short, keep them inflated to somewhere between 34 PSI and 37 PSI. And you need to check them when they are "cold". In other words, before you drive the car in the morning. If you really want to learn about tires from the Professionals, and not from a bunch of "Internet Experts" like us, go to these websites and read their tutorial articles on tires and tire care: LINK-Tire Rack LINK - Discount Tire Hope this information is helpful. Good luck! :beerchug: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fuzz-ion Report post Posted December 13, 2007 Thanks everybody for your replies! I think I'll aim for 36 psi. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akirby Report post Posted December 13, 2007 Thanks everybody for your replies! I think I'll aim for 36 psi. Some folks swear by Nitrogen but I prefer a nice Nitrogen/Oxygen blend myself (78%/21%). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbf2530 Report post Posted December 13, 2007 Some folks swear by Nitrogen but I prefer a nice Nitrogen/Oxygen blend myself (78%/21%). :hysterical: _____ :hysterical: _____ :hysterical: Okay Allen...Now I think you are intentionally trying to confuse the man! :hysterical2: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akirby Report post Posted December 13, 2007 :hysterical: _____ :hysterical: _____ :hysterical: Okay Allen...Now I think you are intentionally trying to confuse the man! :hysterical2: Just seeing if he paid attention in science class. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fuzz-ion Report post Posted December 14, 2007 Yes, I indeed paid attention. :read: I have always wondered if my car would fly if I put helium in the tires instead of atmosphere... hehe. :superhero: :idea: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
