Tire Pressure and Traction

[vinnievis]

I was having a quick discussion with a buddy about tire pressure and tires.

We were discussing whether a tire (All season or Winter) inflated at max tire pressure would have more or less grip on Ice/Snow.

I was thinking that more surface area (lower Tire pressure) would grip ice much better.  This is the case in Rock Crawlers with Beadlocks (obviously an extreme), and also with drag racing on slicks to the best of my knowledge...

He was saying higher PSI would Cut through snow better to get to pavement.

I can see both of those viewpoints being right, but what do you guys think?  I have always been of the "Dont inflate to Max PSI" on the tires.  Leave them 2-3 LBS (or so) below the max.

I know there are tons of variables besides what Ive included, but I dont want to type War and Peace here...

 

[crash712us]

Your not suppose to inflate tire to what marked in them. That just the max pressure they'll hold. See door jam for proper inflation.
As adjusting air pressure for traction, over inflating reduces contact patch and will wear center of tread. As will a under inflated will cup and wear the outside edges of tread. But a 5psi drop in pressure in the winter does help a little with traction.


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[bykr]

This question is kinda tricky.If slightly raising the air pressure,giving you a reduced contact patch would increase the pounds per sq. inch exerted on the road surface, would that be of some advantage in snow?Tractor tires tend to be tall and narrow.