The PZero's that come on the SS are inflated to 32psi from the factory. The door jam sticker also states that this is the pressure the factory suggests for the tire. The tire is rated to a max pressure of 50psi. Witch one is correct and how does this affect performance? What do you inflate your SS tires to?

 

I have always followed the sticker to inflate my tires. At least until I get rid of the stock tires.

 

In the winter I inflate my tires to 35psi and in the summer to 32psi - regardless of what size, brand, or what the sticker says. I've been doing it that way for years. That's how we also did it when I was an apprentice at a GM shop.

 

I have always found that inflating the tires to close to the max pressure helps tread life significantly. You just have to watch out in the summer because when the tires heat up, the air expands and they could become overinflated and you will have unbalanced wear.

So.. if they are say 50psi max.. in the winter, it is probably just fine to have them at 45psi or more. In the heat of the summer though, it would probably be best to be a bit below that. I usually keep mine 5psi under at all times, but I found in the summer, there were times my tire was obviously a tad overinflated because I had a bit of uneven wear that reflects overinflation.

The factory number is a recommended pressure for optimal ride. It's not the bible, you are free to to put as much as you want so long as you don't exceed the rating of the tire. I personally think it extends the life of your tires. The last new set of tires i got was at 65,000 miles and I'm now at 130,000 miles and still have a good amount of tread left. I'm using BF Goodrich touring tires on a '99 Z24. It's more important to rotate regularly!

 

Have you ever considered asking the Service Guys where you bought your car?

Just so you know, that toll free number for Chevrolet Roadside Assistance is also a Technical Hotline and they will furnish any type of technical information you desire. I would try them first....

1-800-CHEV-USA

 

if you lower the pressure, itll help with a launch, like to 22psi
u wouldnt do any lower than that tho

 

For traction u can bump the front tires to 33psi and the rear down to 31psi, lil tip that can help in ur handling.

 

i do 32 all around, i've never messed around with going down to 22 or anything for tratcion.

 

I work in a tire shop and I strongly advise you go with 32psi in all 4 tires. The max tire inflation rating does not mean fill it up that far. If you have 50psi in those tires and you drive on the highway you will have a huge blowout and be prepared to dish out $200 for that tire and more money for the rim if you damage that too. If you plan on "spirited" driving then inflate them to 33 or 34 to insure they will be safe for going at higer speeds for a prolonged period of time. When winter comes around you can add additional air pressure because you lose 1psi for every 10 degress F lower than when you filled them. Also, if you overinflate the tires too much (36-50psi) the tread will wear out in the middle of the tire and will result in broken belts in the tire itself.

 

Stick to what the sticker says inside the door. You can always call the same number for Roadside Asistance for Technical Information although some of the people there are BRAIN CHALLENGED!

 

In the cobalt i keep them at 32-34 psi. On my street CRX i put mine at 17psi (Nitto 555R Drag Radials)

 

hi work at a gm dealer and you should pt the tires at 32psi what it said on the door