Just got a 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatch dual clutch auto; (yes I love it) Ford recommends 35psi cold tire pressure which seems a little stiff. 98 percent of the time I drive alone so there is never much weight in the car. Does anyone run tire pressure different than recommended. I'm thinking 34 instead of 35psi; Obviously steering and handling is a bit crisper at 35psi but the ride is not as smooth.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
tony
After some experimenting I decided 35psi as per Ford's recommendation provides the best overall performance. Inflating the tire 10 psi over what's recommended by Ford is, I believe, verging on over inflating the tires which is not good either.
That being said; under inflation is worse.
As everyone has mentioned the ford recommendation is a good compromise of handling and ride comfort. In my opinion under inflation is a bigger problem than over inflation though. I'm more into handling so I'm higher than recommended, 38/36 in the 2013 and 42/36 in my ZX3.
Yeah the handling is where higher pressures help. If all you want it to get to work, then stock is fine. In fact one pound down is not problem is all you want is comfort.
I like to be able to go around corners with NO body lean..
So high pressures really help to corner at much faster speeds and feel good doing it.
If you drive like you grandma in her Buick, then none of that matters. [bigcry]
Run what you like. 1-3psi isn't a huge difference in terms of daily driving. You may loose 1-2mpg, if anything, but if the comfort is worth it then go for it.
Also, in theory, tire wear is slightly accelerated. But keep in mind tire pressure fluctuate regardless within 1-4 psi from driving and the tires heating up.
Yes I'm very aware of how temperature affects psi i.e. roughly 1psi per 10 degrees difference; that's why I ALWAYS set tire pressure in the morning before driving. As I said I've settled on Fords recommendation of 35psi cold.
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