Tired of tire questions? Warning, noob question here...

Humanaquarian

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Location
Missouri
TDI
2014 Beetle TDI
I had a hard choice that pretty much made up my mind on whether to keep the car for 2 years or buy back ASAP. Well, had to get new tires or dramatically increase my chances of dying or worse, totaling my car before that Sept window!!! So, I decided to invest in not gambling with such odds and I decided I'm keeping the car.
At any rate, I got new tires. They are different than the stock Contis. They say a max of 44psi but the car says 38psi.

I think you know where I'm going... Tire or car specs or a mix?
 

meerschm

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Location
Fairfax county VA
TDI
2009 Jetta wagon DSG 08/08 205k buyback 1/8/18; replaced with 2017 Golf Wagon 4mo 1.8l CXBB
the number for the car is based on how much the car weighs.

how would the tire know that?

(and of course, you know that the pressure should be measured cold, before a drive.)
 

Humanaquarian

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Location
Missouri
TDI
2014 Beetle TDI
Got the cheapest... NEXUM, all season $140 a tire. Used my VW loyalty card and only ended up spending $170 out of pocket. I'll drive the car for 2 more years and do the buy back for $24k on a five year old car... Not bad! This deal has been ok by me. I average 10k miles a year so, should be good on mileage too
 

gmcjetpilot

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2008
Location
Memphis TN
TDI
2010 JSW TDI DSG Matalic Grey
So, I decided to invest in not gambling with such odds and I decided I'm keeping the car. At any rate, I got new tires. They are different than the stock Contis. They say a max of 44psi but the car says 38psi. I think you know where I'm going... Tire or car specs or a mix?

The tire pressure is based on many factors. The TIRE Spec is a Spec. The
car manufactures Spec is what they tested at and may be based on ride
comfort, on max car weight.

We can safely say higher pressure less rolling resistance and thus better
mileage. Affect on braking and handling and wet weather traction? Some
but I can not say to the Con or Pro across the board or mixed. However I
would not RUN right at max.

You SHOULD always fill tires when cold and I recommend 40PSI for
economy, which is about middle between recommended and max.

I have almost 40K on some MVX4 Primacy Michelins. Wear is even.

Remember race car drivers, drag, road, formula, are adjusting tire
pressure for track conditions and suspension constantly. However
for us one size fits all. It is never ideal for all conditions. You want
mileage go higher. You want a better ride lower pressure.
 
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Humanaquarian

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Location
Missouri
TDI
2014 Beetle TDI
Thanks. It was at max, which is 44psi. It actually seemed to handle and respond better at that psi. I lowered it to 38psi and it's much more sluggish. I think I'll split the diff at 41psi.
 
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