I still run the Saab-recommended 35psi front and rear. I have experimented with a range of pressures from 32 to 40 psi (with no huge load in the car, of course) and have found that above 35psi, all I get is a worse ride and no better cornering or traction. Yes, the steering feels lighter and more precise at higher pressures, but the raw grip just isn't there and the steering is very sensitive at motorway speeds, making it hard work to hold in a straight line. The "normal" Saab recommendation on most cars seems to compromise cornering grip a little bit in favour of comfort, but in the case of the Aero, seems just right. My manual says to go to 41psi for maximum load, which I don't carry often on the Aero (just once in the three years I've owned it). On my '95 CSE, I run the recommended 30psi front and rear for a nice comfortable ride.

If your car is lighter than my Aero, then perhaps a lower pressure will be suitable. I can't believe that the slightly lower profile will make much difference at all, but I would say that 36psi should be adequate.

The pressure inside the tyre will be equal to the pressure the car exerts on the tyre's footprint. Once you go above the pressure that is equivalent to the weight of that corner over the area represented by the tyre's footprint sitting flat, you will start to reduce the area of the footprint (as the weight of the corner does not change). When this occurs, on most tyres, the tread curves so that less of the outside part of the tread is in contact with the ground, leading to wear on the central part.

This is why the weight of the car is a factor when determining tyre pressure.

Those people who prefer significantly higher tyre pressures on the front or rear are compromising maximum tread footprint (and therefore grip) for something else (whether they realise it or not), such as steering response or front/rear balance (e.g. to tune understeer/oversteer).

posted by 62.253....

• 205/50/16 Aero tire pressure (psi) SURVEY: 40F/40R, Daren, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:12:46
  • '95 Aero: Firestone SZ-50 @ 38-40/37 cold..., Bob Davis, Tue, 23 Jul 2002 00:49:43
  • '96 Aero with 205/55/16, S-03s and Abbott suspension, BillJ, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 15:33:26 <-- Viewing This Message
  • 92-9kT, 205/50/16 Kumho 35F/34R n/m, bstan, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 14:42:46
  • 93 Aero 35f 35r like the sticker says...(more), LesH, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 13:39:24
  • Same as AdamB, 38F/35R (nm), TKC, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 13:05:09
  • 205/55-16 BS S-03 PPs, 38F/35R n/m, AdamB , Mon, 22 Jul 2002 12:57:38
    • What kind of wear..., Bob Davis, Tue, 23 Jul 2002 00:52:38
      • Re: What kind of wear..., AdamB , Tue, 23 Jul 2002 11:42:18
  • 35F/35R - with stock Aero tire size... n/m, Aerogant, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 12:47:04
  • '92 9KT 205/50/16 Toyo FZ 40F/40R n /m, Daren, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 12:23:29
  • Re: 205/50/16 Aero tire pressure (psi) SURVEY: 40F/40R, Tom 9KT, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:24:29
  • 36psi front and rear on 205/55-16s..., Zip, Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:18:56

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