It is amazing what tire pressure can do for this car...
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
It is amazing what tire pressure can do for this car...
Car has been feeling sloppy on cornering and even a bit slow on acceleration for the last week or so. Yesterday, I noticed that the drivers side rear tire looked a bit low,,, checked it with a guage, and the drivers side rear tire only had 18 psi!!! (It really didn't look that low, I was very surprised.)
Checked the other 3 tires,
passenger rear, 25psi
Passenger front 30ps
driver front 45 psi ?
I added air to get both back tires to 38psi. Then added & let out air to get both front to 40 psi and it is like I put stiffer springs in. The car feels so much lighter and quicker on its feet.
Shame on me for not checking them sooner,,, I should know better after 20 MN winters... I need to check tire pressure whenever the temp changes.
One cool thing I learned, I could feel when the car wasn't "right", even before I could see it. I really feel like I am getting to know this car well.
I love my car more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow..
Checked the other 3 tires,
passenger rear, 25psi
Passenger front 30ps
driver front 45 psi ?
I added air to get both back tires to 38psi. Then added & let out air to get both front to 40 psi and it is like I put stiffer springs in. The car feels so much lighter and quicker on its feet.
Shame on me for not checking them sooner,,, I should know better after 20 MN winters... I need to check tire pressure whenever the temp changes.
One cool thing I learned, I could feel when the car wasn't "right", even before I could see it. I really feel like I am getting to know this car well.
I love my car more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow..
#3
Most people dont seem to realize that the pressure quoted in the manual is not the recommended ...
number for best performance, but rather the minimum psi for safety. So when the manual says 36 psi, thats the least amount you can safely run. Since these cars are so heavy adding additional air can change the grip and ride levels by firming up the sidewalls and reducing the ploughing effect you describe dramatically as well as making it a little easier to turn the wheels. I would venture a bet that if most ran higher pressures there would be a big decrease in out of round problems as well as the mystery vibrations we see here.
#7
What IS the best Tire Pressue? I'm in NYC?
38 Front, 40 Rear? 40F/40R?
I always ran higher pressures in my motorcycle tires in the city to prevent the rims from getting bent.
I always ran higher pressures in my motorcycle tires in the city to prevent the rims from getting bent.
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#8
I'm not so sure about that. I always stay under the max psi listed on the sidewalls.
In addition to what Hy Octane already mentioned above, you can also change the understeer/oversteer characteristics of the car by varying the front and back pressures.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
#9
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
I think 32 is too low, 38-42 is about right. ... and I agree, 50psi seems kinda nutty. :)
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hope it snows Thursday night... after all of our "family" driving is done.
Hope it snows Thursday night... after all of our "family" driving is done.
#10
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Once it snows, I think I will go to 36-38 in the rear and 34 in the front.
It seems like a bit higher pressure in the rear tires allows me to get the back end to slide out before the front lets go in the snow.
Is that the theory? Higher pressure in the rear tires leads to ,,, what is it called when the back end tries to come around on you, over or under steer?
Is that the theory? Higher pressure in the rear tires leads to ,,, what is it called when the back end tries to come around on you, over or under steer?