Quote:
Originally posted by PA 3L SVT:
:rolleyes:

Quote:
From www.tirerack.com:

[b]Maximum Inflation Pressure

A tire's maximum inflation pressure is the highest "cold" inflation pressure that the tire
is designed to contain. However the tire's maximum inflation pressure should only be
used when called for on the vehicle's tire placard or in the vehicle's owners manual. It
is also important to remember that the vehicle's recommended tire inflation pressure
is always to be measured and set when the tire is "cold". Cold conditions are defined
as early in the morning before the day's ambient temperature, sun's radiant heat or
the heat generated while driving have caused the tire pressure to temporarily
increase.
That's great that you've talked to tire engineers. I'm afraid that you have either misunderstood what they told you, or they are giving you bad information. (Knowing the engineers that I know, I expect the former is true.) I also doubt that Tirerack, a company in the business of selling tires, would have missed that engineering gem. To me, they explain it correctly, in as plain English as possible.

Ford Motor Company determined the proper inflation pressure of this car with its weight in mind, and they tell me it's 32 psi cold. On a 205/55ZR16 tire with an "A" Temperature rating. Which is exactly what I have. I know, Ford and Firestone screwed up the Explorer settings. Besides the politics involved (Ford wrote a poor tire spec, Firestone delivered a subpar tire, whatever), the tire rating situation on the SVT Contour is completely different. Niche sports car vs. high profit high volume truck.

But if I was going to lose a tire, this past week would have been it. Have I mentioned the large amount of tire blowout debris fields I dodged last week? Short of driving my car to the Desert Southwest, it was easily the hottest conditions the car is ever going to see on any long drive.

However, I don't have a completely closed mind on this. PM me the tire engineer's email addy and I'd love to hear it right from him/her.[/b]
Tell you what PA you call the tire manufacturers and talk to them, thats how it all started with me. Then later on I worked in a few tire plants and talked personaly with them about the subject face to face. I dont have there email addy. I did not misunderstand anything and I know that they didnt give me bad info because since I have followed there advise I've had 0 problems with performance tires. No fast wear outs, no funky treadwear and NO cuping. Maybe I didnt convey the info in a clear way. I'm sorry about that. I really didnt mean to cause this much confussion. All I'm trying to get across is the pressure listed on the door label is NOT the recomendation from the tire co. It is Fords recomendation so that your car will have a nice smooth ride and if they done there homework right a safe ride at the recomended speed limits. Which you admit you ignore. That tire or any tire for that matter WILL RUN HOTTER at the lower end of the recomended pressure range than at the higher end! Plus you add the fact that many here are driving with heavy sub woofer box's and many freinds in there car which is increasing the weight load on the tires then throw in the high speed driving and you could have BIG problems. I'm NOT saying your tires will blow at 32 lbs. What I'm trying to get accross is dont ignore your tires and take into consideration what kinds of loads your putting them under and inflate them properly. Like I was told experiment with the pressure and see what works for your application, but take ALL variables into consideration.