Tyre pressure is key if you want to get the most out of your vehicle performance as well as keep your tyres alive for a greater period of time. What is fundamental is the influence of pressure on the maximum load capacity. The higher the pressure, the more the load capacity. The reverse is also true.
What is more, correct pressure also helps maintain the tyre in shape and helps distribute the load across the footprint.
Being in line with the manufactuer's recommendation can also be extremely beneficial in other ways too. For example, a correctly inflated tyre helps increase resistance to wear significantly, reduce rolling resistance (a properly inflated tyre will reduce your gaz bills) and longevity.
According to some of the leading specialized magazines, correct tyre pressure is key for vehicle performance. The tests carried out by these magazines show that under-inflated tyres affect steering response and precision negatively.
In one of these tests , two Goodyear Eagle GT-HR High Performance All-Season (reknown for its ressitance to wear) were mounted on two BMW 320D 2008. The first car had adequate tyre pressure. 30 psi in the front, and 37 in the rear while the second car had its tyres underinflated by 30%
This comparative test confirmed that underinflated tyres took longer to respond to steering and were harder to use in corners than properly inflated tyres.
Optimal pressure, that reflects the manufacturer's recommendations is to be found on the placard of the fuel flap or on the driver's doorjamb :