Tire pressure for best MPG ?

[Fish Chris]

I was pretty surprised that the tires on the Maverick (Continentals ?... Are these put on all stock Mav's?) had a max pressure of 51 lbs ! These are certainly not put on compact cars...
In any case, I checked the pressure, and 2 we're at 42 lbs, and 2 were 44 lbs. Thinking about 48 lbs each ? Still within the recommended margin. Do you think a 4-6 lb increase would give me 1 extra MPG ?
Another thing, I just put the bed cover on. Hoping that might give me 1 more MPG too ?

We have been slowly climbing 1/10th at a time, every since getting used to setting the ECO mode before every trip. Hitting 37.5 MPG's combined now, but still hoping with these two things ^ plus 8 to 12 months of breaking in (loosening up) that tight motor, that we can average 40 MPG's combined

What tire pressure are you running ?

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[999]

I assume you're trying to save money?

Keep in mind, higher than "normal" air pressures will make the center of the tire crown out towards the road. This will reduce rolling resistance, but will also reduce contact patch and reduce traction. This will resullt in faster tire wear too, which will negate any fuel savings.

 

[Fish Chris]

I assume you're trying to save money?

Keep in mind, higher than "normal" air pressures will make the center of the tire crown out towards the road. This will reduce rolling resistance, but will also reduce contact patch and reduce traction. This will resullt in faster tire wear too, which will negate any fuel savings.

JMPO, but I believe that would only be an issue if you went "over" the max recommend pressure.
I can't imagine manufacturers would be like, "Well, 51 lbs won't be quite as safe, but sure go ahead" lol

 

[projectvortex]

Use what the sticker on your door jamb says to use and remember that pressure changes 1-2 psi for every 10 deg change in temperature.

 

[2022EOW]

Adjusting tire pressure to try and achieve better mpg is not a good idea. Your 0.1 more miles to the gallon will cost you more in the irregular tire wear.

 

[CatsupGladiator]

 

[vabchusa]

Tire pressure on door is rated for BEST RIDE not mpg. I usually run my tires at max pressure and still get over the rated tire wear, only difference is a little more road noise and slightly harsher ride.

 

[Fish Chris]

Adjusting tire pressure to try and achieve better mpg is not a good idea. Your 0.1 more miles to the gallon will cost you more in the irregular tire wear.

1) I believe it will make much more than .1 mpg. Probably more like 1 mpg....
2) I don't believe one would start to notice any major tire wear issues until they went "over" the recommended max tire pressure.

 

[Fish Chris]

Tire pressure on door is rated for BEST RIDE not mpg. I usually run my tires at max pressure and still get over the rated tire wear, only difference is a little more road noise and slightly harsher ride.

Exactly. And remember, even in my OP, I was still considering running them a little less than the 51 lb max. Still thinking of bumping them from 42-44, to 48.

 

[Fish Chris]

If you have stock tires best to run stock pressure. They already accounted for best gas mileage/tire wear. If using aftermarket tire sizes then you will have to adjust pressure to weight. For example the stock hybrid tires ran at 35psi would be 1821 lbs. You match your new tires psi to that weight.

What is stock pressure ? The tires are rated for up to 51 lbs. Honestly I don't think they are saying, this pressure will only screw up the wear a little bit... And you will only be a little less safe lol Heck, even that number surely includes a safety margin.

 

[Fish Chris]

BTW, nobody said what tire pressure they are are running in their Mavericks ?

 

[Vince]

My experience with other vehicles is that running higher pressures, but under the maximum, will increase the life of the tire.

 

[CatsupGladiator]

Is MPG > than Safety? I mean MFG determines the tire pressure for optimal use, sure you may lose some MPG, but you are gaining traction and stability. If you over inflate the tire it starts having less contact with the ground while this may marginally increase your MPG, you will be sacrificing traction especially when turning as the reduced surface area contacting the ground isn't going to be able to hold you on the path you are trying to guide the vehicle. This will be compounded if the road surface is compromised by water, snow, or ice. Push the limits and you may hurt yourself or some one else that happens to be around you when things literally start going sideways.

 

[2022EOW]

1) I believe it will make much more than .1 mpg. Probably more like 1 mpg....
2) I don't believe one would start to notice any major tire wear issues until they went "over" the recommended max tire pressure.

Whatever, you seem to know safety snd engineering so why f’n ask?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/amp15341871/tread-rightly-why-tire-pressure-matters/

 

[Bushpilot]

Is MPG > than Safety? I mean MFG determines the tire pressure for optimal use, sure you may lose some MPG, but you are gaining traction and stability. If you over inflate the tire it starts having less contact with the ground while this may marginally increase your MPG, you will be sacrificing traction especially when turning as the reduced surface area contacting the ground isn't going to be able to hold you on the path you are trying to guide the vehicle. This will be compounded if the road surface is compromised by water, snow, or ice. Push the limits and you may hurt yourself or some one else that happens to be around you when things literally start going sideways.

Not correct. Higher pressures reduce the tendency of a tire to hydroplane and increase traction in snow.

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