Correct tire pressure question

[Capt Ed]

With the wide swings in temperature this spring, I'm seeing the same swings in my tire pressure. I set mine at 35 psi cold on a 75 degree day. On cool mornings, it reads 33-34 cold and 35-36 afterdriving. On warm afternoons or when towing boat, it reads 36-37 cold and 39-41 warm. I realize the TPMS could be off a few degrees, but when it indicates high pressure, the Tahoe rides rough and we feel every bump.

Tires are OEM Continental CrossContact lX20 Ecoplus.

When the weather settles down to normal summer time temps, I'll be fine. In the meantime, is there a better cold temp I should set?

 

[CCPLuvr]

I typically set my tires a pound, maybe 2, below what the certification labels states. Knowing they'll heat up and end up a pound or 2 above that number. We've also found that tire pressures 3 or more above 35 lbs causes a rough ride, poor handling, etc.

 

[JayceeP]

Maybe consider upgrading tires. I run the regular Michelin Defenders (not the 2’s) on the 22” wheels and I find they ride like butter.

I like to run a little higher at 37, max 38 psi cold. I don’t find the psi increases much on the defenders, maybe 2psi, when driving.

I do this to avoid outer tread wear and, this time of year, temps can still be cool so psi will drop.

 

[BacDoc]

As a cyclist I have seen the debates on the cycling forums about tire pressure. The data is pretty easy to get as a cyclist and bike can change pressure to calculate rolling resistance/contact patch/watts. The data is very clear that there is an optimal pressure for efficiency and it is lower than what most cyclists use.

Even on smooth flat surfaces there is significant wattage (power produced by cyclist to maintain speed is always measured in watts. In vehicles maybe mpg is more accurate) difference in tire pressure.

Handling and speed efficiency has a sweet spot. On smooth highways these heavy trucks might get slightly better mpg with couple more lbs psi but for most rougher roads as other posters said, a couple lbs less will make a smoother ride.

I have had good luck with Michelin and they seem to have a good range where I couldn’t tell much difference + or - a couple of psi, and they wear well even at the higher mileage.