This isn’t as simple as it sounds, but not too tricky either.
My car’s door sticker says 39 psi for cold tires. I filled mine to 37 this morning since I figured they’d go up once I started driving. Sure enough, after a 10-minute drive, they were at 44 psi—5 psi higher than what the sticker recommends.
I’ve never had working tire pressure sensors before, but my recently bought Fusion does, and now I’m not sure if I should let out some air or stick with what the sticker says. Thoughts?
I usually go by the sticker. It’s straightforward enough.
I have a 2016 and usually keep it at 36 psi. In Minnesota, the cold makes the pressure drop to around 28 psi, which triggers the low tire light. So, I have to top them off a couple of times as the weather cools.
Ford says 39 when cold, so I just stick to that.
I keep mine at 39 cold and adjust every few months based on temperature.
Why not just follow what the sticker says and fill to 39 when cold? The pressure will go up as you drive, that’s normal. The point is to fill it to 39 cold so that when it cools down, it’ll go back to that steady pressure.
@BrianCopland
Good point! Guess I was just curious. I’m usually pretty strict with maintenance, but seeing it hit 44 made me wonder just how much it heats up.
Xander said:
@BrianCopland
Good point! Guess I was just curious. I’m usually pretty strict with maintenance, but seeing it hit 44 made me wonder just how much it heats up.
I don’t quite follow the logic there. If it says 39 cold, go with 39 cold. It will go up while driving and come back down once it cools. No need to overthink it.
@Bernice
Yeah, sounds like a bit of a misunderstanding. Best to stick to what’s recommended unless you have a reason to change it based on experience.
I drive a 2016 SE 2.5L with 17” wheels. My sticker says 33 psi, though my current tires are a bit higher since they’re pretty new.
They put a lot of money into research to get the right tire pressures. I’d just go with what they recommend.
I’ve experimented a bit. My old tires felt best at around 36.5 - 37 psi. For my new ones with firmer walls, 34 psi gives a smoother ride without compromising handling.
My sticker says 37, but I usually keep it between 33 and 35 because it feels better that way. When I fill to 37 cold, it feels a bit loose on the highway. I do the same with my girlfriend’s Chevy.
Barrett said:
My sticker says 37, but I usually keep it between 33 and 35 because it feels better that way. When I fill to 37 cold, it feels a bit loose on the highway. I do the same with my girlfriend’s Chevy.
That’s what I was wondering about—whether running at 44 psi could reduce traction since the whole tire might not be making contact with the road.
@Xander
I notice the back end feels looser when overinflated.
@Xander
Yep, especially in bad weather. The contact patch is key for grip, and while higher pressure is fine in warm weather, most people won’t remember to lower it afterward.
@Xander
Higher pressure can lead to less grip and a rougher ride.
Marshall said:
@Xander
Higher pressure can lead to less grip and a rougher ride.
True, but you’ll also get less rolling resistance, which helps with fuel economy. It’s all about what works best for your driving needs.
Car sensors aren’t as accurate as a good tire gauge. I set mine to 39 psi with a gauge while cold, then check back to see how close the car sensors are. My Fusion’s door sticker says 37, but I usually run between 35 and 37.
Question for everyone…when it gets warmer in spring, do any of you release air?