[.42456]

Just had a set of Firestone Destination LE2 installed with alignment on my 2010 RAV4 Sport. I think Firestone recommends 32 PSI. Is there a problem with 35 PSI in an effort to increase the MPG? All suggestions and ideas welcome.

 

[pico]

Just had a set of Firestone Destination LE2 installed with alignment on my 2010 RAV4 Sport. I think Firestone recommends 32 PSI. Is there a problem with 35 PSI in an effort to increase the MPG? All suggestions and ideas welcome.

The most comprehensive information I have found is from JuneBug's reference to this. Scroll down.

Back and forth, pro/con at this link. The ultimate tire gauge mentioned is unobtanium now. Skepticism is warranted.

 

[fishmagnet]

pressure

good info, thanks for referencing again!

 

[KSNancy]

I make it standard practice to run tire pressure a couple pounds over factory recommendation. Tires feel a little more stable and responsive. In the RAV4 (2010 LTD w/ 17"alloys) I use 35psi.

 

[JuneBug]

The most comprehensive information I have found is from JuneBug's reference to this. Scroll down.

Back and forth, pro/con at this link. The ultimate tire gauge mentioned is unobtanium now. Skepticism is warranted.

The Accura gauge is still available from the manufacturer's web site. I have corrected the link.

 

[vanib]

I am using 34 psi on my no-name brand meter/compressor. From this chart, it seems I should be running 38.

 

[ravenuer]

I always ran with 35, but got my RAV back from a dealer oil change with 38 all around. I liked it so much, that's become my new tp.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Also keep in mind these are so-called "cold" pressures. They can easily go up 10% or more driving on a hot day or down 10% during winter. And that's w/o the normal very gradual pressure loss. I have pressure (Pressure Pro) readouts on my truck and dyno trailer and that's exactly what it shows.

 

[Canon101]

Always run 35 PSI in my RAV. Will wear the center of the tire quicker than the edges but the feel and handling is definitely worth it.

 

[Rickl]

I'm not sure that I totally agree with this chart. I agree that if the vehicle has been parked overnight in a heated garage, the tires should be set according to this chart before being placed back outside in winter temperatures.

I don't agree that any compensation is required if the vehicle has just been moved from a winter parking lot into a heated shop ( e.g. for a quick oil change). In this case the tire is already at it's normal operating temperature. If the mechanic drives the car from the parking lot at 14°F into the shop at 68°F and then immediately adds 4.9 PSI, then the tires will be overinflated by 4.9 PSI when the car is back on the road.

The TSB also says that the TPWS must be initialized with the tire pressure marked on the vehicle placard, so increasing the pressure from 32 PSI to 37 PSI wouldn't be for the purpose of TPWS initialization either.

I am using 34 psi on my no-name brand meter/compressor. From this chart, it seems I should be running 38.

Maybe I'm just not understanding the chart. If my "reverse" calculations are correct, it means to set your tires 4 PSI higher than your desired 34 PSI would mean that you are setting them in a garage that is 25° C warmer than the outdoor temperature. I know you love your RAV , but I have never heard you mention that you keep it indoors with you before.

 

[vanib]

That's right. Garage is always warm but I am might not go to 38 psi. Like Canon101 mentioned, I put the OEM Yokohama Geolander G91 at 36 psi in summer, there was a very observable over-wearing of the center of the treads.

I might just stick to 34 psi on my new tires. I am slowly getting used to the more cushiony ride.

 

[ronto]

35 PSI all around and 40 PSI in the spare. I check all around once a month and twice a year in the spare.

 

[RTexasF]

35 seems like the best all around for our RAVs but we don't deal with severe winter temps.
Severe summer temps? Yes. I run 45 in the spares.

@35 psi I notice no irregular center tread wear. The ride difference from 32 to 35 is, well, none.....it's still harsh on our pock marked streets down here regardless.

 

[Rickl]

35 seems like the best all around for our RAVs but we don't deal with severe winter temps

In your area having a firmer tire helps to keep sidewall temperatures cooler, and should result in longer sidewall life.

When driving in snow, the tire gets a grip when the treads bite into the snow. As the tire continues to revolve, centrifugal forces cause the snow to be thrown from the treads, thus cleaning them in preparation for the next contact with the road. A firmer tire will more easily throw out the snow that gets trapped in the tread than a soft tire.

So it seems that if you don't mind the harsher ride, a firmer tire is better for all temperature ranges. Of course going to extremes can result in abnormal tread wear.

 

[ThurzNite]

In other words, for most people, set PSI as you wish and not worry about temp?
I set mine to 26 when driving off pavement. 32-35 was so harsh!
35 when taking road trips lasting longer than 1 tank of gas. 32 daily.
Dr J

 

[RAVN4RED]

@35 psi I notice no irregular center tread wear. The ride difference from 32 to 35 is, well, none.....it's still harsh on our pock marked streets down here regardless.

Pretty much same for me. I run with 36 and getting very even tire wear. Was using 32 prior for long time, can't really tell much ride quality difference. Hey! It's a RAV!!

It does sit out overnight in cold once in awhile, but not extreme cold; so feel 36 is a decent hedge against the reduced cold pressure.

 

[Thundra]

I had kept all the tires at 35 PSI as well, never a problem with tire wear on any of the tires.

 

[ThurzNite]

35-36 makes a huge difference in ride quality and performance! 35-36 isn't usable for performance driving on or off road. It just slides sideways, then vsc kicks in and spoils they party.