Quote:
Originally Posted by daiheadjai
Does this still hold true when your tires are no longer the same size?
I'm running 205/55R16...
Is it reasonable to expect it to require the same psi as 215/45R17s?
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The manual lists two different tires:
205/55R16 91V, 215/45R17 87W
And the same pressure for both. 205/55R16 is a good choice for winter tires, BTW. Works well for me on my car.
Quote:
Originally Posted by daiheadjai
I've heard less psi gives you better traction on ice due to the bigger contact patch.
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I've heard that too. It's wrong. Correct tire pressure gives best traction.
Probable origin: With studded tires having studs placed along the tread edges, low pressure is preferable to high pressure. But correct pressure, adjusted for load, is always the best choice for road driving at normal speeds.
- Nuance occurs when driving at very high speeds or in deep sand, but that's off-topic :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by daiheadjai
At the same time, higher psi would probably help you cut through snow better?
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No, I don't think so. High pressure in the rear will give you less push force and high pressure in front will impair steering.
But you are on to something, 205 is a better tire in snow than 215 because it's narrower and therefore less prone to what I call the "toboggan effect".
