Kizashi tire pressure. Why so high.

[Sluggo]

All Kizashis tires should be inflated to F 38/ R 38 psi.
I've always wondered why our pressures are higher than the normal pressures for cars this size. Don't believe me... take a look all these car are using the same size tire as the Kizashi 235/45-18, and all weigh about the same as the Kizashi.

Honda Accord F33/R32
Buick Verano F33/R33
Ford Fusion F32/R32
VW Passat F33/R33
Acura TSX V6 F33/R33
Suzuki Kizashi F38/R38

Maybe some of our superior handling is due to running tires with 5 more pounds of pressure. Just for fun I ran my tires at 33 psi for a few days. The ride was smoother but I didn't like the way the car felt. Actually I normally run my Continental PureContacts at F40/R40. It just feels better like that.

[WESHOOT2]

I always run my tires hard.

I go through tires like Breyers; know what I mean?

[bootymac]

My first guess is better fuel efficiency

[twoqttsdad]

My first guess is better fuel efficiency

x2

& performance to match the suspension set up.

[murcod]

Fuel efficiency (like Bootymac said) and handling. Most manufacturers specify a low pressure to give a better ride over handling/ safety- but not Suzuki!?

(The ironic part is Suzuki 4WD vehicles specify ridiculously low pressures eg. 23PSI for the front tyres on my XL-7 : 235/60R16 on a vehicle that's specified up to a gross vehicle mass of 2350kg or 5181lbs!? Even the rear pressure maximum is only 31PSI "If towing a trailer". I run 34 front, 32 rear on it.)

[bootymac]

Higher pressures (to a certain point) are also better in the wet: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/ ... p?techid=3

[redmed]

The high tire pressure has annoyed me since I have had my Kiz. I also have tried 32psi and enjoyed the ride. Wish there was a way to lower the psi threshold so the TPS system would allow lower PSI's.

[KuroNekko]

Interesting that some of you guys like the lower PSI. So far, I'm liking my new Michelins better on 38 PSI than when it had 33 PSI. I assume the effect that the lower pressure has on ride can differ from tire to tire.

[bootymac]

Any difference in ride comfort? Lower pressure should be more comfortable in theory

[KuroNekko]

Any difference in ride comfort? Lower pressure should be more comfortable in theory

I think I like the ride better at 38 PSI. It's hard to compare for certain as most of my 33 PSI driving was done traveling from NY to DC so the roads I drive now are different. Overall, I'm liking the tires better at 38 PSI in every regard.

Another thing I want to point out is how much my acceleration has improved with these Michelins. While it may not translate to impressive figures when put in numbers, the feeling is definitely there. In most discussions of tires, factors like corning grip, snow traction, and even braking distance are often discussed, but acceleration grip isn't too much. Well, these Michelins are very grippy and have made my Kizashi feel faster off the line. They are also great in the rain as it's been raining here the last few days.

I guess this is all just a reminder to me how much tires matter. Really, they are way more important than many mods people make to their cars. Get great tires and the driving performance and sensation will be enhanced.