Inflation for winter tires

[LarryH]

I just had a set of Kumho KW17's put on my 2002 Protege ES. The installer inflated them to 35 psi. I have always used 32 psi in summer and winter. He said that in winter they should have higher pressure and recommended leaving them at 35.
I would appreciate your recommendations regarding this. At this point I'm tempted to set them back to 32.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[Reitrof]

The pressure should be the same as summer. You should check them more often in the winter as the temp drops, as it will lower the pressure.

 

[mikeweb]

I always thought that they were supposed to be a bit higher in winter aswell. Either way, check the sidewall of your tire

 

[chaosProtege]

the sidewall tells you the max pressure for the tire, not what it should be set at. the drivers door panel, when you have the door open, tells you the manuf. specs for the tire psi. i'd run 32psi.

 

[Action Jackson]

Depends on the grip level and size of tire. I usually have it 36/33 psi on my 195/55/15 winters.

 

[zerocover]

I usually run a lower pressure in the summer because of better grip.
Pretty much the same in the winter but if it snows I brake out my compressor/flahlight/toolkit that I keep in the car and pump it up to the tires max. It really help in the snow.

 

[scott42]

my experience has been that 32 is a bit too low (personal pref). I left my first set of tires at 32 as factory spec. even though they lasted about 30kmiles (i dont' drive too hard) they wore away in a very bad pattern. My (summer) tires have handled better and worn more evenly @ 36psi in front 34psi in back. I always try to keep it the same.

 

[LarryH]

My summer tires, the original Potenzas that so many people hate, still have plenty of treadware left after 55,000 kms, though they are starting to show their age and I might replace them anyway.
I've kept them at 32 psi with no problems.
I think I'll stay with 32 for the winters as well. As Bruce says, I'll have to check them when the temp goes down. Right now it's like spring in Toronto, so I'll check them once the temp goes back to normal and the tire pressure goes down.
It's interesting how opinions differ on this, but I'll continue to stick with what Mazda recommends.
Thanks for all your help.
Larry