S4 (B8 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B8 Audi S4 produced from 2009-2016

The great S4 tire air pressure controversy

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Old 10-24-2011, 08:02 AM
  #31  
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While the manual is the correct place to START,
it's not the final word -
especially if they are no longer stock tires and /or wheels as for the OP....

While not having an S4, I've always gone by the chalk test for my varied vehicles: http://www.ehow.com/how_6948382_chalk-tires.html

as it takes into account YOUR tires, YOUR load, YOUR vehicle...

but then again, it's not THAT critical as long as it's close
Old 10-24-2011, 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by phil47
It's to improve the handling. Running slightly lower pressures on the rear reduces understeer as the front will have slightly improved grip for turn in while the rear will have slightly reduced grip and will rotate more.
I thought it was the other way around... lower pressure means more grip, higher means less. Less grip on the rear would allow for the oversteer.

I say this because when you are stuck in the snow, you can get better grip by letting a few pounds of air out of your tire. (By the way, all of this is small changes.)
Old 10-24-2011, 12:58 PM
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I usually run 45 in the front and 42 in the rear. I have never had any problems. Max PSI is 50. I have the 255/35 R19 Titaniums.
Old 10-24-2011, 02:02 PM
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i like high pressure to. 40ish.
Old 10-24-2011, 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Tweakophyte
I thought it was the other way around... lower pressure means more grip, higher means less. Less grip on the rear would allow for the oversteer.

I say this because when you are stuck in the snow, you can get better grip by letting a few pounds of air out of your tire. (By the way, all of this is small changes.)

That is the case for loose surfaces. For dry pavement it's generally the opposite (although you can also go too high a pressure and eventually reduce grip).

Most engineers design vehicles for neutral balance to slight understeer as it's safer than oversteer.

Last edited by phil47; 10-24-2011 at 02:18 PM.
Old 10-24-2011, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by phil47
Most engineers design vehicles for neutral balance to slight understeer as it's safer than oversteer.

Correct. Thank you.
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