Kizashi tire pressure. Why so high.

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Sluggo
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:47 pm

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.
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WESHOOT2
Posts: 1975
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2011 5:37 pm
Location: Vermont

I always run my tires hard.

I go through tires like Breyers; know what I mean?
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

My first guess is better fuel efficiency
twoqttsdad
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:41 am
Location: Hawaii

My first guess is better fuel efficiency
x2

& performance to match the suspension set up.
2012 SLS
Azure Grey
FWD CVT
murcod
Posts: 2279
Joined: Fri Aug 03, 2012 12:03 pm
Location: Australia

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.)
David
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

Higher pressures (to a certain point) are also better in the wet: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/ ... p?techid=3
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redmed
Posts: 492
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:56 pm
Location: Michigan

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.
64 Galaxie 68 Olds 442 65 Impala 70 VW Bug
74 Nissan B210 66 Chevelle 73 Olds 98 71 C20
75 Monza 82 Escort 75 E150 75 Civic 76 Accord
86 Escort 87 Taurus 83 Chevy G20 85 Ranger 4x4
93 F250 4x4 95 Silhouette 95 LHS 03 Corolla 10 Kizashi S MT
17 Sienna
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5170
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

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.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Black)
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

Any difference in ride comfort? Lower pressure should be more comfortable in theory
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5170
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

bootymac wrote: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.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Black)
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