Tire pressure again!

May 04, 2005 2 Replies

Based on my previous post concerning the Sequoia tire pressure responses, I am having another question we may discuss about.



My conclusion is to use higher pressure than manufacture's recommendation. In this case, the technician raise from 32 to 34 is probably very correct. I am curious what type of car/truck is using "50" PSI? That is way higher than my Sequoia and I never had to put that high including my previous Ford Bronco.



I have been confused by the pressures for years. The Bronco I had was always following manufacture's number (don't remember how many PSI, definitely not as high as 50). The tires needed to be replaced at 18,000 miles and it did not even look as "flat" as my Sequoia's rear at 32 psi. The Ford's brake pad need anew one at 12,000 and it goes on like that for another 36,000 miles. Yes, I sold it at only 48,000 miles after 8 years.



Probably it is not fair to compare the Bronco to my current Sequoia because the Bronco was driving mostly in city while Sequoia had about 2/3 of 36,000 miles on highway. The Bronco tires tend to "leak" much more often than the Toyota but I do miss one thing out of Bronco. Its AC is realy cool and fast in summer. The ride seems more sensitive or should I say bumpier/jumpier while running through pot holes after tires pressure changed from 32 to 34. The brake does not seem as "sharp/powerful" as Bronco's. It takes longer distance to stop the Sequoia than Bronco though it feels smoother sitting in Sequoia. Bronco is much more truck like while braking. Is it the basic difference between a truck and SUV?



Is it time to get a better tire? JW claimed the original tires on Sequoia is junk. What is you folks suggestions to get? Something reliable and smooth.



Also I would like to do a tiny survey. Do you notice that air pumps at gas station is no longer considered a "free" service in your area? At least, this is what I found in northern Virginia, they no longer provide free air. Either the pumps disappeared or installed with coin insert, plus it timed very fast. I can no longer pump and then measure pressure like before. Now I have to measure first, find the tire needs more air to stay longer and running like crazy between four tires. New Jersey is selling gas average 20 cents less plus some free services, why are we paying more but getting less in N.. Virginia? Still remembered the first time experience at NJ gas station, someone came to my car opening the gas tank door ready to fill in, I almost ran out to say to him " I will do it myself". Man, that's considered "full service" asking for extra money here.


LOL, I was in NJ not too long ago, so I know what you mean. Most people from NJ don't know how to pump gas, at least that's the running joke. I guess the Legislature of the State had a lot of gas pump related fires and pass a law for Professionally pumped gas, besides, it keep someone employed.

Getting back to your tire problem. My 93 4Runner has Bridgestone Dueler A/T and I keep the tire pressure at 45psi. My 2001 LC has Yokohama Geolander HTS, is at 40psi. Though max pressure on bother tires are about 50psi. I've checked them hot and they read 50psi.

At 36,000 miles, your tires are approaching the tread wear life of 40K miles. The tires on my trucks are at least 50K, I've gotten 60K out of my previous set of Desert Duelers. Your lucky that your tires are readily available. I had to pay $30 per tire on my Yokohamas, because of the size. My Yokohamas are pretty quite and pretty good handling compared to the Dunlops. If you don't plan on going Off-Road a lot, I recommend a Highway tire over an Off-Road (A/T) tire. Forget about Michelins, they make over priced under rated truck tires. Go with something your used to, don't make a $400 mistake your going to regret for the next 40K miles. Also don't let the Tire sales guy sell you a tire your not familiar with, especially Michelins, because they have incentives to move the Michelins. For the price of the Michelins you can get a good set of Bridgestone Dueler H/T Alenza, a top rated tire and also top on my list if I can afford them.

I have a small 5 gallon compressor I use a lot on my tires and to power my air tools. I've seen 10 gallon compressors at Kragen's for under $100. It's come in handy a few times to get slow leaking flat tires pumped up enough to get me to the nearest tire station for repair.

Good Luck and Drive Safe!

JW

In the previous thread, did you spot the suggestion about driving through a puddle of water? I'd try and set up that experiment if I were you, rather than try and guess what to do.

It pays for the fact that the hoses are vandalized so often, or left lying on the ground where they're driven over in crowded parking lots.

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