I've just brought my tyre pressures back down to 34PSI. Will report back in a day or two the differences I notice.

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My local dealer set the tyre pressure to 32 psi on delivery. When I had one of the alloy wheels repaired after an episode of hitting the curb, the repair shop (not the dealer) also set the pressure to 32 psi in a matter of fact way ("oh, we will just inflate it back to 32 psi"). I suspect that pressure level is some generic pressure that is ok for most cars -- even though 32psi (2.2 bar) is a lot of lower than the pressure stated on the fuel cap.

 

I have since inflated the tyres to the higher pressure specified on the fuel cap. However not being much of a petrolhead, I can't say I notice much of a difference at all in terms of handling or comfort. My motivation is really for longevity of the tyres, fuel economy and safety.

 

I would be interested to know what others' thoughts are on this matter. 

Bear in mind that the figures given on the fuel flap only apply to 3 or more people being carried with varying degrees of luggage according to the associated diagrams. If like me it's usually only one or two people plus dogs, then they seem far too high. My old MK2 Ford Focus ran 33psi all round except when fully loaded, when it was up to 36psi at the rear. I found the ride too choppy when inflating them to the lower of the two figures given on the fuel flap so reverted to how the Skoda dealer had set them before I took delivery e.g. 34psi all round and found it a much more comfortable ride when lightly loaded.

6 hours ago, HenryNZ said:

However not being much of a petrolhead, I can't say I notice much of a difference at all in terms of handling or comfort. My motivation is really for longevity of the tyres

After maybe 5_000 km, the centre or edge wear I cited up-thread would be measurable with a depth gauge.

Since I've put my pressures back down to 34psi I do notice bumps in the road are softened, but also that it feels a bit softer in corners. But I think the road noise might be lessened a bit too on noisy surfaces. One day I might take my sound pressure meter and test that.

The amount of miles you do it does give you plenty of chance to experiment, and compare with your new fresh tyres compared to those that were replaced.  Also to run in EV mode only to be able to hear tyre noise.  

According to the owners manual for my '21 VRS it shows the tyre placard and the image with 3 people and suitcases is referred to as 'half load' whilst the image with 5 people and suitcases is referred to as 'full load', so it appears the number of people shown on the sticker is figurative rather than literal. 

 

I did initially think that these pressures seemed high, but then I remembered on my previous vehicle with 245/40 x 19's the tyre shop recommended 38-40psi.

Additionally, when I recently had new front tyres fitted I asked the tyre shop (different shop to above FWIW) what pressures they recommended seeing as the majority of my usage is with just myself and perhaps a small amount of luggage and they recommended 39-40 which is inline with the tyre placard on the car.

 

They also added that newer vehicles running larger wheels and low profile tyres run higher pressures than people were used to 10 or so years ago and that the higher pressures provide an element of cushioning when hitting potholes etc., which seem to be a scourge the world over at present.

 

Add to that, if Skoda recommended a lower pressure for less weight in the car you would think that would be stated on the placard.

 

Anyway, make of this what you will - personally I'm more than happy running the recommended pressures and have not seen any abnormal tyre wear from doing so.

 

Edit: Just for some balance, attached is the tyre placard from a Ford Focus ST. You'll notice that it is less ambiguous than the Skoda one, showing 1-3 and 4-5 people which makes it clearer and also that the 238/35 x 19 option runs similar pressures to those recommended by Skoda for the 245/40 x 19's.

Edited 31 October, 20241 yr by CS363

My understanding is that as tyre widths go bigger and profiles lower, higher pressures are required to maintain even wear. Running a PSI significantly below the pressures stated on the label might cause wear on the edges of the tyre, and potentially even cause a blowout on a sustained higher speed journey!

Edited 31 October, 20241 yr by Longship

Except not all wider low profile tyres do need higher pressures. 

PSI = Pounds per square inch. 

 

The correct pressure for my 285/30 R20 tyres on my BMW are the same as on my 205/55 !6 or 205/45 17 on my MINI Electric.

BMW like to use runflats with stiffer sidewalls and/or also higher load ratings. I should have started my previous post of with "Typically,"

I have always thought 39 psi was too high, ran with 36 psi all round as per my Golf GTI for a while. but went back to 39 front and all is the  good. 

 

For my European friends that 2.7 bar front and 2.4 bar rear.

 

The Octavia VRS will never be a sports Car and will always understeer, but Michelin PS4s all-round and 39 psi front and 36 psi rear seems  the best you can get.

 

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