Hey everyone, I just put new rear tires on my Xfire (Continental Extreme Contact DWs). From the tire shop I went to the nearest open road to try 'em out. The car felt a little squirrelly in the rear end, and I was thinking, "Oh, no!" So when I got home, I put the air pressure gauge on them. OK, there's a label on my door frame that states the rear tire pressure is 33. How could it be easier, right?
Passenger side was 36.5. Driver side was 31.5.
Duh!
Now they're both 33.
Never assume a tire shop tech is going to put in the right pressure. Check it yourself!
Rob

 

I personally think the recommended 33 psig is a little low. Typically run 35-36 psig in all four tires (measured cold). If you heated up the tires by doing some "road testing", then the measured "hot" inflation pressure should be 2-3 psig higher than a cold reading. So a 31 psig could actually only be 28-29 psig cold. That's really low!

I will agree that having the differential of 5 psig across the rears will make it behave strangely! Hope the Conti's do you proud.

Later,

 

I also run 35 psi all the way around. The sidewalls on our tires are so small I feel a lot safer with more air pressure.

 

I agree, a little more is nice for handling too. However, depending on where you live and dirve, the recommended pressure is usually a little more comfortable. I can be a jarring ride into DC with all the potholes and road variations. Now that mine is going to be going back to just a weekend cruiser, I'll add a few extra pounds for the twisties on the backroads.

BTW - nerver trust the shop to put in the right amount of air pressure, oil, or for that matter almost anything.

 

Ty for info on tire pressure. I'd be lost w/o this forum.
Am looking at Kumho Ecsta le sport tires, was going to just get 2 front tires but decided to get all 4. $1092.00 :-[ I am in BC Canada. Price includes mount and balance. I get them in a few days to replace the 9 yr old Contis.