xXDavidCXx
Autocross Champion
- Location
- AZ
- Car(s)
- 2017 GTI SE DSG
I've been meaning to follow up on this topic since I have specific numbers I run and that I suggest, but there is a reason, and I don't always articulate the reasons, and neither do many others.
So with that said. Here is what I think should be considered when choosing tire pressure.
All things being equal, each of these conditions may require/result in more or less tire pressure
I don't consider tire temps across the tread very useful for most of the VW group, because most of us have such little camber that I guarantee the tire temps will look all off and you will spend precious time between runs trying to "maximize" tire pressures for the best grip, when you just don't have enough camber to utilize the full tread width evenly. Trust me, I've done this, it's a waste of time.
So the real answer is it depends.
Other things to consider.
Understeer is often a result of the front tires getting overloaded and not having enough pressure in the tire to resist the load imposed. When this happens the tire gives up, and effectively the grip is gone, until you slow down and reduce the load on the tire.
If you are running lower pressures and find the front won't turn, add 5 to 10 psi to the front tires and see what happens.
I am not responsible for the actions you take based on the content found in this post. Opinions found in this post are not the views or opinions of VW, GOLFMK7 forums, or any of its sponsors or affiliates. I do not guarantee results. Use at your own risk. Previous results do not equal future results. The content on the site is provided for informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional advice.
So with that said. Here is what I think should be considered when choosing tire pressure.
All things being equal, each of these conditions may require/result in more or less tire pressure
Consideration | More tire pressure | Less tire pressure | The relative order of importance |
G's expected (need to support the load on the tire) and vehicle weight | X | 4 | |
Stiff tire sidewall stiffness & load rating | X | 1 | |
Soft tire sidewall stiffness & load rating | X | 1 | |
wide tires compared to OEM | X | 7 | |
surface with less grip (sand/dust, wet, cold) | X | 5 | |
Surface with more grip (concrete, dry, hot) | X | 5 | |
The driver is aggressive and brakes hard | X | 6 | |
The driver is timid and a newb | X | 6 | |
Stiffer springs | X | 3 | |
Softer springs | X | 3 | |
Shocks in race mode (especially with more low speed bump) | X | 8 | |
Shocks in drive home or low grip mode | X | 8 | |
Stock camber | X | 2 | |
max camber | it depends on | the other settings | 2 |
I don't consider tire temps across the tread very useful for most of the VW group, because most of us have such little camber that I guarantee the tire temps will look all off and you will spend precious time between runs trying to "maximize" tire pressures for the best grip, when you just don't have enough camber to utilize the full tread width evenly. Trust me, I've done this, it's a waste of time.
So the real answer is it depends.
Other things to consider.
Understeer is often a result of the front tires getting overloaded and not having enough pressure in the tire to resist the load imposed. When this happens the tire gives up, and effectively the grip is gone, until you slow down and reduce the load on the tire.
If you are running lower pressures and find the front won't turn, add 5 to 10 psi to the front tires and see what happens.
I am not responsible for the actions you take based on the content found in this post. Opinions found in this post are not the views or opinions of VW, GOLFMK7 forums, or any of its sponsors or affiliates. I do not guarantee results. Use at your own risk. Previous results do not equal future results. The content on the site is provided for informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional advice.