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Tire pressure question?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Goose
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Goose

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I have 275/40/17 Kumho tires on my 95 coupe. I have been running with 35lbs of pressure. I read somewhere the other day that starting in 95 chevrolet recomended 30lbs of pressure, then I had a guy at the a tire shop say that I should be running 50lbs in each tire. I canot believe he is right about 50lbs, but I am not so sure about the 30 instead of 35. What pressures are you running in your tires?
Thanks, Goose
 
Should tell you on the drivers side door jamb sticker
 
The recommended tire pressure should be listed on the tire. Look for small print, same color as tire, printed around the tire. It should list the tire size and pressure to be used. If this fails, call Kumho and see what they say.
Heidi
 
I have the same size tires and run 35 PSI measured when cold.

Most would probably say between 32-35.
The 50 PSI suggestion must have been a mistake
 
78SilvAnniv said:
The recommended tire pressure should be listed on the tire. Look for small print, same color as tire, printed around the tire. It should list the tire size and pressure to be used. If this fails, call Kumho and see what they say.
Heidi
Must be very careful when reading tire pressure settings directly from tires. This could be the MAXIMUM tire pressure. Safer to use owner's manual or door jamb sticker for each specific vehicle.
DEFINITELY NOT 50 psi.
Terry
 
I run 35psi cold, in my Kumho 712s. 30 or lower is better for traction at the track, but low for street driving.

DO NOT run 50psi.
 
tnovot said:
Must be very careful when reading tire pressure settings directly from tires.
I don't know if C4s came with Kumho tires. If the tire brand is changed from what came with it from the factory, the owner's manual or the door jamb sticker won't have the pressure information about those particular tires. That is why I suggested reading what is on the tire or calling the tire manufacturer.

Still, very good caution about tire pressure listed on tire being MAX and needing to take care.
Heidi
 
Goose said:
I have 275/40/17 Kumho tires on my 95 coupe. I have been running with 35lbs of pressure. I read somewhere the other day that starting in 95 chevrolet recomended 30lbs of pressure, then I had a guy at the a tire shop say that I should be running 50lbs in each tire. I canot believe he is right about 50lbs, but I am not so sure about the 30 instead of 35. What pressures are you running in your tires?
Thanks, Goose
50lbs is not right. If you can run anywhere from 32-35, I run 35lbs.

Justin
 
32-35 will keep ya safe -
:)
 
The tire sidewall numbers will show maximum inflation and possibly another pressure with an associated load rating.

The door sticker will show manufacturers recommended pressure, for the OEM tires. I think it is a bit low for spirited driving and maximum tire life, but great for the smoothest ride. The newer (replacement) tires come with higher and higher max pressure ratings. They tend to bulge less, hence wear in the center less than the old bias ply tires. The higher pressures roll easier, for better fuel economy and less heat build-up and allow higher loads. Fifty seems rather high and would certainly deliver a hard ride and probably less than optimum tire life. On my original Gatorbacks, I repeated saw 35k+ of tire life which was about 75% more than tire dealers normally saw on Vettes.

There will be a variance in opinions, so you'll have to experiment and find what pressure works best for your driving patterns and ride preferences. I run close to the tire's maximum which has always delivered great tire life and minimal sidewall flex, but a harsher ride. Inflate, drive and see how the tire responds and how harsh it rides. Longer term, keep an eye on your wear patterns and adjust as best you can for more even wear. FWIW, I am now running 40+/- (high for this group).

Kumhos (Korean brand, I believe), as far as I know, were never OEM tires on any Vette.
 
Goose said:
I have 275/40/17 Kumho tires on my 95 coupe. I have been running with 35lbs of pressure. I read somewhere the other day that starting in 95 chevrolet recomended 30lbs of pressure, then I had a guy at the a tire shop say that I should be running 50lbs in each tire. I canot believe he is right about 50lbs, but I am not so sure about the 30 instead of 35. What pressures are you running in your tires?
Thanks, Goose


You are correct, Chevy did reduce the tire pressure recommendations. I have a 93 with Goodyear Ultra HPs. I run 31 psi front and rear. I found 35psi makes the car too loose in corners, especially bumpy ones. The rear seems to want to find its own course. 31psi seems to have gone a long way in solving this problem. The car is much more controlable.

As a PS, NASCAR autos generally run less than 30psi under a lot more severe conditions than we drive.
 

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