Car Parts Faqs
What is the right tire pressure for replacement tires on my car?
I have a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. We have replaced some of the tires, while others are original. The door panel says that the tire pressure should be 26/29 for front/back, but the tires look really deflated at that rate. Does the pressure recommendation increase as cars & tires age? All of the tires have a maximum pressure of about 35-40.
Public Comments
- Looks can be miss leading.It may look low but use the recommended pressure that is stated on the tire.Also make sure your air Gage is not faulty,try another gage.
- Proper tire pressure is determined by application (vehicle type) and tire size, not brand or model of tire, age. All tires of the same size as the original tires - P215/60R15 93T - have the same inflation requirements on your vehicle regardless of how old they are or who made them. As someone who looks at tires all day long for a living I can assure you that you can't tell much of anything by how a tire looks. The guys with the automotive engineering degrees spent a lot of time and money testing the optimal tire pressures for your vehicle. They know best what works. 29/26 is correct.
- stick with what the door calls for, the tires recommendation is for a maximum load. you will have a smoother ride and longer life if you stick with the 26 29.
