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Honda CRV tyre pressure

  • By Graham Smith
  • Carsguide
  • 19 January 2012

Ian M
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Q

I recently had the wheels aligned and balanced on my Honda CRV and the tyre dealer told me I should set the tyre pressure to 40 psi (280 kpa). The recommendation from Honda is 200 kpa. This is the second time a tyre dealer has recommended higher pressures, what is the correct setting? I must admit the car drives better at 280 kpa.

Graham Smith
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A

It's quite often recommended to run tyres at a higher pressure than the carmaker specifies. It's ok to do that within reason, but I think 40 psi is way too high. I imagine it rides like a dray at that pressure. I would suggest you try around 32 psi, it should handle better and give you better fuel economy without the deterioration in ride.

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 4 comments

  • Hmmm Quantam, I did mention ‘Significant over inflation’, in my lead-in to my comment regarding ‘accellerated wear on the centre blah blah’. I am very aware and practice ‘Slight’ over inflation myself, I prefer the slightly firmer ride and the feel at the steering seems more accurate, probably is in reality. In the long term I have never witnessed central wear, then again I am not going anywhere near 40psi!

    deejay51 of Gold Coast Posted on 16 February 2012 12:00pm

  • 40 PSI is too high for this weight of vehicle. 32 to 34 probably optimal for best handling and braking. 200MPa (30PSI) will give you a soft and floaty ride. deejay51 I suggest you update your knowledge of tyres from cross ply to the modern radial and you will then learn that they perform better at slightly higher inflation pressures than the vehicle manufacturer recommends. Also that the contact area is only very slightly reduced due to the hiugher inflation pressures.

    Quantum of Solace of Melbourne Posted on 26 January 2012 10:03pm

  • Drive around for a week or two and you will soon figure it out.

    thomo Posted on 24 January 2012 8:40am

  • Damn some of these Tyre Dealer/Mechanic ‘over inflated ego’ oops, tyre pressure recommendations. There IS an optimal tyre pressure for each type of vehicle based on the tyre type and average anticipated driving conditions and weight load.

    Significant over inflation will achieve LESS rubber on the road and accellerated wear on the centre of the tyre tread, it may steer better initially but the uneven tyre wear and harsher ride, your call. Agreed with GS, 40psi is getting way up there! You may find some ‘clunker’ garage air facilities will not be able to get the pressure up to that heady number!

    deejay51 of Gold Coast Posted on 21 January 2012 3:49pm
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