suggested psi for snow driving

[hyde]

My assumption is that suggested or lower than suggested PSI will give you better performance on deep snow or ice, since traction will increase.

I have my tires set at 36 cold 38-39 cold PSI. I generally keep them at 38 cold. Now with snow coming, I was thinking of deflating all to 30 or 32 cold.

What's your suggestion? keep them inflated or deflate at lower psi?

 

[thecause17]

I've always had it in my head to actually keep them normal, or slightly higher pressure for snow/ice, but I don't really know.

 

[Marty]

Remember that air pressure will decline at cold temperatures, so until the tires warm up while driving, you could be risking wheel damage running the pressure too low. I'd say that for all the difference it's going to make, leave the pressure at what's recommended and if you need better traction, get winter tires.

 

[ENBr]

Remember that air pressure will decline at cold temperatures, so until the tires warm up while driving, you could be risking wheel damage running the pressure too low. I'd say that for all the difference it's going to make, leave the pressure at what's recommended and if you need better traction, get winter tires.

I'd agree, or get chains if they're legal in your place.
The tyres will naturally reduce pressure, so it's taken care for you.

 

[Dave]

Remember that air pressure will decline at cold temperatures, so until the tires warm up while driving, you could be risking wheel damage running the pressure too low. I'd say that for all the difference it's going to make, leave the pressure at what's recommended and if you need better traction, get winter tires.

Agree............ It could be said that tires are everything - well almost. How many of you got rid of your OEM Badyears and changed to a good A/T tire - big difference - right? Just let the snow fly and you'll be going in a straight line. Just be careful stopping. They're predicting 2 feet of the white stuff where I am. Yup....we're overdue and we're gonna get it tonight and tomorrow.

Dave

 

[hyde]

I was not planning to deflate them to the stage that it can damage the rims. I hate ny roads already so I cannot risk that.. I wanted to compare the difference of about 10-12 psi at snow. We will be well taken care of with the salt and other stuff, but back roads and streets won't be treated as well.

I have crapyears, but for some reason I haven't had a major issue with the gy wrangler hp 's I got. I am waiting for 40k to replace them. Snow tires or chain is no-go for NYC.

I think instead of 40psi which I normally run at, I would keep them all at 30 or 32 just to get enough traction without getting anything to the rims like potholes or bumps.

 

[JeepJeepster]

You will be just fine running that pressure. The recommended pressure is 33 anyway. O

 

[2003KJ]

I've always run mine (in the jeep atleast) at 35 year round, and never had any problems out of traction.

 

[hyde]

forget it we got the phony snow overnight, so far it is only an inch or less on the ground, and probably will be freezing rain overnight, so not much snow driving for us.

 

[Marty]

Yeah 32 psi will be fine. Also, remember that at lower pressures, tires buckle under hard braking, so contact with pavement is reduced. I took a high speed driving course where the instructor suggested keeping tire pressures higher than recommended, since recommended psi is for comfort, and higher pressures resulted in more rubber on the road when you needed it. How high depends a lot on tire construction, so it gets pretty technical...

 

[Jeger]

I had noticed yesterday that one of the tires on my car would clear the tread of snow much easier than the other one. Both spinning on the same surface...everytime I checked one would be clear and the other one was packed with snow. Tuns out the one that was clear was low on pressure. I think perhaps with a lower pressure it allows the tire to flex more and breaks up the snow. What do you think?

 

[hyde]

WOW, i just came to the office and on the service road I did 90 to one side, then 90 to another side! At one time I was completely facing the freeway, and at another I was facing the trees.. sliding towards the trees. I just said to myself, there, I am getting my first dint on my doors because I will hit this tree right now... And I accelerated turning wheels to the other side and it took me through. I was at about 30 mph. Thank god I did not have any other cars around, there was a truck way behind. I was really lucky.

The problem was that I was on 4x4PT (4HI) and pulled it to 4x4FT just before that point, I barely touched the gas pedal and suddenly I was facing the guardrails.. It was damn scary. I remember jeepjeepster said he did 360 with his GY Wrangler HPs on rainy road. Thank god I pulled through this one, it is a MESS out there..

[-o<

 

[KJ02Ltd]

So, you're saying that if you'd have left it in 4PT you'd have been fine?

jpm

 

[hyde]

I am not sure. I am not a fan of PT. I already mentioned this in another topic. As soon as I pulled it to FT rear wheels may have suddenly turned faster, and this could be the problem. Also, as I said I may have touched the gas pedal a bit harder. I am not sure what went wrong.

 

[JeepJeepster]

The HP's are not good tires by any means. Its sad how much I slide with them in the rain as opposed to my Yokohama's. Ill probably buy Yoko from here on out. They are cheap, last along time, and are better than alot of tires out there. It would be insane to buy a different brand. \/

 

[rchung813]

Wow.. I just read your post, I'm glad you're ok. Makes me think about replacing my stocks..

 

[hyde]

Wow.. I just read your post, I'm glad you're ok. Makes me think about replacing my stocks..

Thanks, you are in NY so you might understand..Anyway, I will post here on what tires I decide and how they perform.

 

[LONEPINERON]

Sad Years

The stock tires seem realy good as long as you don't get into anything slippery. But with the torque of the CRD slightest touch on rainy day and they do break lose. I think it is the hard rubber they use cause as far as milage goes we have 22000 and they still look new also they won't absorb armorall just spins off to the fenders. (have told guys at car wash not to put it on but they no comprenda) Will look for a little more agressive tire as these ware out. LPR