Correct Tire Pressure - 30 or 45 PSI ?

Jan 10th, 2003, 09:01 PM

I just got a new 2003 Frontier not long ago. The sticker on the driver's door seems to indicate that the tires should be filled at 30 psi. I checked them, and straight from the factory they were all at 45 psi.

Which is correct? Any suggestions will be helpful.
Thanks,
Jason

My driver's side sticker:
http://www.geocities.com/unendingmisery/tirepres.JPG

jadcock · Jan 10th, 2003, 09:34 PM

The door jamb sticker will always be "correct", but not necessarily the best. They try to get a compromise between ride, handling, mileage, and tire wear, all with one pressure level.

The door jamb sticker on my '95 4WD reads 26 lbs, front and rear. That's as low as I've EVER seen on a door jamb sticker and I run them about 29-30. 26 is just too soft. If you run your tires real soft, your mileage will suffer. If you run your tires really high (like the 45 lbs you have), the mileage will be at its best, but the ride will (should) be very harsh and abrasive. You probably feel every crack in the roadway. Air 'em down to 30 psi and see how you like it.

If you have any doubts, start at the door jamb sticker reading (30 psi in your case) and go from there, either less or more according to your taste.

Ag Bullet · Jan 11th, 2003, 06:57 PM

For me 30, seems too soft, so I typically run my tires at about 35. 45 does seem really high.

Ichabod · Jan 13th, 2003, 08:04 AM

Seems like 45 would be higher than the tire's rated pressure. What is stamped on the sidewall of the tire?

BORNGEARHEAD · Jan 13th, 2003, 05:55 PM

Set your tires at 35 psi cold. Meaning before you drive it. On the highway your tires heat up and the psi increases. If you check your tires before you leave the house and check them right after you get off the highway, you will see the difference.