Why increased tire pressure for snows?
12-17-2005, 05:54 AM
#1
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Why increased tire pressure for snows?
I'm aware of the "taller and skinnier" rationale for improved snow traction but are there any other reasons why you should crank up the pressure when using snows? The ride feels a lot more bouncy.
12-17-2005, 06:31 AM
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I don't understand what you mean by increase. How much are you increasing? The only thing I can...
Think of is by increasing it ever so slightly you are getting less contact patch down to the ground, put in return more lbs/square inch on the remaining tread that does contact the ground.
12-17-2005, 11:48 AM
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Why is that? The manual states:
"Because of the special design characteristics of radial ply M+S tires, they must be inflated 3 psi above the cold tire inflation pressures required for the regular radial ply tires."
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12-17-2005, 02:19 PM
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Your statement above made a reference (pliable) to the nature of the tire compound...
tire pressure is unrelated to that, and the quote from the manual simply refers to "special design characteristics", which is so general that it doesn't really answer his question..."why".
I'm curious too...my guess is because of the soft sidewall the winter tire might compress more, so they advise increasing the tire pressure to compensate...to maintain even pressure across the contact patch. But it's a guess...
I'm curious too...my guess is because of the soft sidewall the winter tire might compress more, so they advise increasing the tire pressure to compensate...to maintain even pressure across the contact patch. But it's a guess...
12-17-2005, 04:19 PM
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I think you're both right.
I cranked up the pressure today in increments of 1.5 lbs all around and the ride got progressively better (more like the summer tires) until about 45 psi. I backed the front down to 42 and the rear to 40 and it rotates nicely without too much impact harshness. The M3's are a really nice winter tire IMO.
12-17-2005, 05:14 PM
#10
This is why I run higher pressure in winter tires vs summer (Michelin Pilot Alpins vs Pilot sports):
1) If you put in the pressure when it is like 30 deg F or so, you will lose about 3-4 psi when temps get really cold and 2) when this happens and you hit a pothole, I want the wheels protected somewhat. Reasons you give are applicable as well, but I would put in more psi regardless of tire construction or compound.