Optimal tire PSI for max range?

[LeftieBiker]

46 psi is likely ok, and there are people who do run that much (or more) for extra range, but if you want peace of mind, I'd go with 40-42psi. I suggest to people that they run 90% of the maximum pressure rating on the sidewall. That would be 45 psi in your case, so I wouldn't worry about 46. Most tires are rated for 44 psi, which means in most cases it's no more than 42.

 

[Toby]

Be aware that tire pressure gauges are not noted for their accuracy.

Side-to-side balance is important for steering. Low pressure leads to over heating and excess wear.

I agree with LeftieBiker's statements above. Run a few PSA above spec. I run mine at 40.

 

[LeafBoy556]

Old thread, and just my personal $0.02. An overinflated tire is bad because it tends to wear the tread unevenly at the center and negatively effects handling. An underinflated tire is bad because it tends to wear the tread at the edges and also negatively effects handling. Nissan has been in the car business for many years, and I assume they don't want to get sued if they can avoid it. I assume their recommended tire pressure based on their extensive experience is "about right" as a balance between tire wear, economy, and safety. Playing around with the tire pressure even a little bit can sometimes make a noticeable difference in the handling, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Based on my own decades of working on cars, I'd say that for anywhere within +/- 5 psi of the recommended pressure is pretty safe, assuming you didn't drastically change the type of tire you're running. Personally, I inflate my tires about 2-3 psi above the recommendation because all tires slowly lose air over time.

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

Old thread, and just my personal $0.02. An overinflated tire is bad because it tends to wear the tread unevenly at the center and negatively effects handling. An underinflated tire is bad because it tends to wear the tread at the edges and also negatively effects handling. Nissan has been in the car business for many years, and I assume they don't want to get sued if they can avoid it. I assume their recommended tire pressure based on their extensive experience is "about right" as a balance between tire wear, economy, and safety. Playing around with the tire pressure even a little bit can sometimes make a noticeable difference in the handling, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Based on my own decades of working on cars, I'd say that for anywhere within +/- 5 psi of the recommended pressure is pretty safe, assuming you didn't drastically change the type of tire you're running. Personally, I inflate my tires about 2-3 psi above the recommendation because all tires slowly lose air over time.

You only provided a penny. Or maybe I missed the part where you define "overinflated" Because I can ASSURE YOU that there is no bad advice printed anywhere on the tire...

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

46 psi is likely ok, and there are people who do run that much (or more) for extra range, but if you want peace of mind, I'd go with 40-42psi. I suggest to people that they run 90% of the maximum pressure rating on the sidewall. That would be 45 psi in your case, so I wouldn't worry about 46. Most tires are rated for 44 psi, which means in most cases it's no more than 42.

46 PSI is ok BUT only because the max SAFE pressure is 44 PSI COLD set during coolest part of the day before any driving. Heat of the day can increase as much as 5 PSI on hot Summer days.

 

[Jerther]

I'll just leave this here...

Thread 'Mythbusters tire pressure testing: +5 psi = 6% fuel savings' https://mynissanleaf.com/threads/mythbusters-tire-pressure-testing-5-psi-6-fuel-savings.3852/

 

[Drew21]

Car manufacturers specify a recommended tire pressure for a given car model with the goal of providing a balance between handling, ride quality, and efficiency. The specific balance they're shooting for differs between an economy car vs a sports car, etc. They don't know which model of tire you will put on the car, so the recommendation is generic and conservative.

Tire manufacturers provide a max safe PSI for each model of tire they sell. They don't know which car you're going to put the tire on so they're only concerned about the performance/safety of the tire.

It's completely safe to inflate a tire above the recommended pressure for any given car, as long as you stay below the max PSI specified on the tire. Inflating a tire higher than the car manufacturer recommends will almost certainly increase efficiency at the expense of ride comfort.

 

[Turbo21]

Very high pressures result in increased suspension wear and less grip , poor ride comfort etc . Its also important to preserve the car itself for another days traveling and pull up 1m short of a hard breaking car in front of you instead of being 2m into the back of it or ending up in a ditch on a wet off camber double apex corner thanks to lack of contact patch/grip. I prefer to go to the recommended pressure and check it monthly so i always have near enough that pressure. I think its important to mention you need a good Pressure gauge , pref Digital as they are fairly accurate even the cheap ones , the gas station gauges are really bad , im setting with digital not the gassy gauge ,my local reads 5psi under which was a shocker. I have a professional Michelin analog gauge which is 1psi out , it matters for Bike tyres so i have spent some time sorting out my tools and i have a small compressor at home making it even easier .

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

Most ev models now are in the 40s or even 50s in terms of psi to squeak out improved epa range. Leaf is the only one I know that still uses the standard 36psi.

 

[Turbo21]

true , the leaf 40kw has 16 or 17" rims and reasonable side walls and is 1600kg ish , many of the other cars are running 18s and 20s with low profile sidewalls and are significantly heavier . The added weight alone dictates higher psi requirements and tyres suited to those needs. Then there is the Aptera soon to be doing huge milage on the same size battery with its stock pressures ultra light weight and aero advantage. Its important to buy the car to suit your needs , the Leaf doesn't suit everyone's needs but some failed to see that and tried to make it something that it isn't.

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

I see the leaf as more tinkerable car than many evs, because it is so basic. I am very glad Nissan extended sales another year of the ole war horse of EVs.

 

[FrancoVecchi]

I changed tyres few days ago, inflated at 40 psi normally. I observed the cosumption and decided for 38-40 psi for rear tyres and a little bit more on forefront tyres, such as 42-44 psi: they have in the center more rubber than in the borders. Leaf Tekna e+ (62kwh) my2029 and 110.000 km.