Noticeable MPG improvement at 50 PSI

First cold snap and TPMS light comes on. I start to cuss dealer because the one use is notorious for not putting enough air in. I get the gauge out and sure enough 42-46 lbs. I aired them all up to 50 and my MPGs jumped about 4%. Not huge but over $100/year savings.

 

Isn’t the ride rough? Sounds like it would feel like rolling around on wagon wheels.

 

When I bought my truck the dealer delivered it to me with 28 psi. Nice cushy ride but I took it up to 38 which is a good pressure for me.
Anyways, you can reset the TPMS at any pressure you want. There is small button under the dash on the right side of the steering wheel. Yours is likely originally set at 50 so when it fell below that the light came on. It sounds like you are happy with the MPG gains, but if the ride is too hard you can deflate to a comfortable psi and then reset the TPMS.

 

Is that $100 a year going to actually save you money when the tires wear prematurely?

 

Higher PSI will make the tires firmer, so there is less rolling resistance. But will your tires thank you, definitely not. These trucks empty should be between 32-35 psi for proper inflation. Higher pressures are to accommodate heavier loads in the truck.

 

interesting but

this

and this

and besides, the term "gas mileage" is reserved for Prius forums ONLY. getouttahere

 

I think the TPMS came on because you had more than a 3PSI discrepancy between the tires. 42-46 is way overinflated, 50 psi is close to max tires are designed for and you will wear them out really fast this way. Unless you have non OEM tires?

 

Overinflation also adversely affects traction. Which = increased safety risk.

 

Yep, depends on the tire rating.. Example, my max psi with ST Maxx is 80 and with all the weight up front with winch bumper 50ish up front just happens to be the sweet spot with 45 in the rear for highway. Rides just fine and tread is wearing even after one year and two rotations. On my STT Pro M/T's I run 40 up front and 36 out back. Each tire mfr provides individual specific tire pressure charts based upon "no load" conditions. With "load" conditions then adjust pressure accordingly for best ride/tread wear.

 

Was near 50 but deflated back to 42, Ridge Grapplers. Could feel the bumps more, less rain traction and premature wear. Getting back the opposite trumped mileage gains for me.

 

Damn 50 psi that a firm ride literally. I run 35 psi all around, ride is nice traction is better.

 

Did a trial test for a week at 60psi (tires will go to 65psi). Had to go to the dentist for chipped rear molars (ate my fuel savings on teeth repair).

Decided that 32psi was not so bad after all. 32 is the sweet spot.

 

iirc, Nitto said 42 for mine, your aftermarkets may vary, and stock is 32 per door sticker.