Originally Posted By: waltywalt
I have a set of 4 new conti dws tires on my car. The car calls for all the tires to be at 32 psi. But the tires themselves have a max rating of 51 psi. Im wondering whats the best psi to run these tires for best wear and fuel mileage.
The max pressure listed on the sidewall doesn't pay any role in what pressure should be used.
The starting point for this discussion is the vehicle tire placard, which since 2008 is supposed to be on the driver's doorframe, but previously could be in the glove box or on the fuel filler door. But that is only applicable if the tire size used is the one listed there. If you are using a different tire size, then the pressure has to be recalculated.
Then there is the issue of what the pressure on the placard represents. Is it for comfort? Is it for fuel economy?
The answer is: It depends on what the vehicle manufacturer's intent was. Certainly it will be a compromise, as increasing inflation pressure hurts ride quality, dry grip, and impact resistance, but improves fuel economy, hydroplaning resistance, and wear.
My answer is to use the placard pressure if you are not the adventurous type, and I wouldn't recommend using more than 5 psi more than what is listed there.