Tyre Pressures (Again)

[nc35]

Still getting confused as to what is correct.  Just about to put some new Monza II and Sport Contacts on.   (18")

So want to get it right.

Sticker in the fuel flap says 2.4 bar (~36 psi).  Been reading you guys run anything from 30 to 40 psi.

Any advice please?

[JPC]

your going to be met with a whole load of replies now.

best thing to do is play around and see what you prefer.

I personally found that anything over 34psi (on my 19s) is a bit harsh.

So i normally run about 32-33 all round.

[wigit]

i set between the figures on the petrol cap, i've found you can really tell when you drive it if its on the low side as handling is 

[stealthwolf]

On the Ed30, 18" rims - it states 2.6 bar (37psi). But as above, these are recommended pressures. You can and should adjust as required. I'v found if I go too low, say 30psi, the handling is atrocious. Too high and the car is skittish.

Always remember to adjust the pressures when the tyres are stone cold. In fact, if you really wanted to, you could set them reasonably high and each morning, knock a few psi all round. Drive as normal during the day and see what feels comfortable.

[Janner_Sy]

why does the GTI have such high pressures in comparison to the vRS??. 

Mine states 2 bar front 2.1 bar rear  (30/31 psi) on 18" rims same width as your as well.

[Hedge]

why does the GTI have such high pressures in comparison to the vRS??. 

Probably because it's a performance car Sy.   

[Gene Hunt]

...........as above.   

[Janner_Sy]

lol, guess i walked into that one

any ideas though, id have thought it would have been the opposite with the vRS being the heavier car

[Hurdy]

Between 32psi and 40psi.....

The higher the psi, the better (generally) the MPG will be

The lower the psi, the better the linear traction will be in wet and dry. This is why you'll see some people lowering their tyre pressures before a trip down the 1/4 mile.

The higher the psi, the better the ride will be.

Lateral grip depends just as much on the construction of the sidewall as it will psi, I've found some tyres to perform better at lower psi and others at a higher psi, but I wouldn't go over 36psi for any 18" tyre (personal preference)

[nc35]

Interesting to hear that higher psi will give a better ride.
At the mo I usually put 2.5 bar in. Compensation for the Tyres not being cold.

Also found higher pressures help keep the road noise down a little.

Wifes car runs at 32 psi on 17".  So surprised that the Golf is 36psi.

Is the sticker in the filler cap for 17" or 18"?  Is there any diff for the two?

Always been a bit anal about tyre pressure with previous cars. Checking every time I fill up. 
 

[gazbutS3]

Sorry don't agree that the higher the pressure the better the ride John, the tyre is the first shock asorber, if the pressure is high the tyre won't give and the ride will be harsher IMO

[Top Cat]

Always been a bit anal about tyre pressure with previous cars. Checking every time I fill up. 
 

You should never use the garage pressure gauges they are wildly in accurate. 

[Hurdy]

Sorry don't agree that the higher the pressure the better the ride John, the tyre is the first shock asorber, if the pressure is high the tyre won't give and the ride will be harsher IMO

A lower air pressure for me gives worse bump and rebound, maybe down to the damper type.

[Hurdy]

Always been a bit anal about tyre pressure with previous cars. Checking every time I fill up. 

You need one of these.

[stealthwolf]

^^^I was expecting RR to post that!