When/how/why max tire pressures raised from 35 PSI to 44 PSI?
P metric sizes are "usually" a max of 35. Pressure varies with what load range the tire is. I have load range E on my truck. Their maximum pressure is 80 PSI. I run them at 60, because 80 would beat me to death in that old truck. That said, I have done both long term. Used the vehicle recommendations and used the max tire pressure for the given weight rating. I have found that the max pressure gives the most tread life. I will gladly give up a little ride quality for a tire that lasts longer.
Not. Over half of the tires I mount every day, (whether I want to or not), have max pressures of 41,44,&50 PSI. That has absolutely nothing to do with the manufacturer's
recommended pressures, which are usually on the drivers door jamb, but some Krautwagons & others have them inside the fuel doors or the other doors etc. Superior
materials allow for more cold pressures which can allow the tires more flexibilty to accommodate applications. The load rating is the load rating, some tires are load rated
the same whether they have 35 or 44 PSI in them, even though the air is what is supporting the load,...the mfr will not over-rate the casing . This allows You to balance
the handling of the car by varying pressures, maintaining safe loading for a given tire size.
When it comes to LT tires, yes E load tires are rated for a max of 80 PSI, but because of the construction it will carry
LESS load than a D load tire at the same pressures
that a D will hold. In other words, a D will carry more @55PSI than an E will carry @55PSI, just a little something to know.
And this time of year, I over-inflate all the cars I'm servicing a few pounds because eminent temp drops are always anticipated, figure 1PSI for every 10degF drop.
Drive safely this winter............................
