View Poll Results: Just to know how many change pressure vs how many don't
I change my tire pressure for the rainy season
0
0%
I don't ever change my tire pressure (minus the track)
30
100.00%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll
What sort of air pressure are you using for our rainy BA roads?
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Marina, CA
Posts: 102
Car Info: 05 OBS WinterWarWagon!
Door jam
#18
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iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: East Bay / Pomona
Posts: 3,670
Car Info: '02 PSM WRX
My thinking is lower PSI means larger tire footprint, so I get a larger contact patch which gives better grip since there's more rubber on the road. So, as of right now I run 35 all around in dry, and aim for 32 in wet. I only do a small pressure change, since in the dry, the road gets hot causing a larger increase in tire temp, while when wet, the water disperses a lot of the heat causing less temperature fluctuation.
#19
Do you have any more info on that? I do the exact opposite, so it'd be good if I was wrong and corrected. Does the amount of tire footprint (not shape of footprint) have a substantial effect on water evacuation? Would this mean that a tire of similar diameter and tread design, but let's say a 185 width be less prone to hydroplaning?
My thinking is lower PSI means larger tire footprint, so I get a larger contact patch which gives better grip since there's more rubber on the road. So, as of right now I run 35 all around in dry, and aim for 32 in wet. I only do a small pressure change, since in the dry, the road gets hot causing a larger increase in tire temp, while when wet, the water disperses a lot of the heat causing less temperature fluctuation.
My thinking is lower PSI means larger tire footprint, so I get a larger contact patch which gives better grip since there's more rubber on the road. So, as of right now I run 35 all around in dry, and aim for 32 in wet. I only do a small pressure change, since in the dry, the road gets hot causing a larger increase in tire temp, while when wet, the water disperses a lot of the heat causing less temperature fluctuation.
TIRE PRESSURES IN THE RAIN
For both autocross and road racing, increase tire pressures 6-10 psi from what you would normally run in dry conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when a wedge of water develops between the tire and road surface. This wedge can actually lift the tire off the road and eliminate traction. Increasing the pressure rounds the profile of the tire by decreasing the deflection of the tire. This results in a smaller contact patch - narrower and shorter. It also helps keep the grooves in the tread open so they can channel the water out from under the tire.
http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/che...e-pressure.php
Inflating and maintaining proper tire pressure ensures safer, more comfortable driving and better fuel efficiency. Particularly in times of high gas prices; in inclement driving conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice; and in vehicles of all sizes, tire pressure can make a major difference in driving, wherever you are.
Last edited by Rescuer; 02-05-2009 at 06:02 PM.
#23
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Santa Clara CA
Posts: 493
Car Info: Subaru WRX 08
I'm curious to know how much air pressure you guys use in your tires during the rainy time on bay area roads (AK: Cracked, riddled with pot holes, improper camber).
Also, if you respond please state what kind of tires you're using, from brand to size. I don't care about wheels, just tires.
Some people recommend changing air pressure for rain, and others say it doesn't make a difference at all. What do you guys say?
Also, if you respond please state what kind of tires you're using, from brand to size. I don't care about wheels, just tires.
Some people recommend changing air pressure for rain, and others say it doesn't make a difference at all. What do you guys say?
if you're going 40 and over or 30 and under then you might notice faster tire wear and traction difference