| cruisemaster |
| What gives better traction in the rain? A tire with higher than the recommended 32 psi or lower? I heard in the past that a higher psi will prevent hydroplaning. Does a higher psi also offer better traction in snow? |
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| mogur |
Higher on water or snow, lower on sand or gravel.
quote:
Originally posted by cruisemaster
What gives better traction in the rain? A tire with higher than the recommended 32 psi or lower? I heard in the past that a higher psi will prevent hydroplaning. Does a higher psi also offer better traction in snow?
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| renov8r |
I have seen data that suggests for LARGE HEAVY trucks that typically have very high pressure tires it does make sense to reduce the pressure. This effectively increases the size of the contact area, sometimes significantly. In such cases the reduced air pressure works to increase traction.
http://depts.washington.edu/sky2001...pers/Bulley.pdf
Conversely the tires on most SUVs, especially those on the MDX will NOT show much increase in area. The sidewall is much stiffer, the wheel is larger (so the profile ratio is numerically lower) and the radialls are designed to hold their shape. Most importantly tire manufactures STRONGLY caution that lowering pressure more than 20% should be accompanid by RIGOROUS inspection of the tire.
http://www.goodyear.com/rv/tirecare/loading.html
Some off-road events suggest that a 10% reduction is the LIMIT.
http://www.alcan5000.com/00notes.htm |
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| Tom-TX |
I seem to remember a general rule that the maximum safe speed for wet roads is 2x your tire pressure. E.G. 32psi = 64mph
Of course I've been in some real heavy rain falls where half that speed is what I considered safe. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by Tom-TX
I seem to remember a general rule that the maximum safe speed for wet roads is 2x your tire pressure. E.G. 32psi = 64mph
Of course I've been in some real heavy rain falls where half that speed is what I considered safe.
????
My P/U recommended pressure is 55 unloaded and 80 with a full load. That means safe speeds of 110 to 160. Yeepee! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
????
My P/U recommended pressure is 55 unloaded and 80 with a full load. That means safe speeds of 110 to 160. Yeepee!
Maybe it depends on the kind of rain. I've been in some, like in Florida, where it's a lot like forging a stream! |
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