;?¬;??]Originally posted by Doghouse [/i]
If they changed the default tires, they may not have changed the label. Tire pressure is determined by the tire manufacturer. Remember the firestone problems? It was partialy due to the fact that Ford recommended that the tires be deflated by 10 lbs from the manufacturers recomendation. The tires should on average be inflated to 3-5 lbs under the max recomendation. 40 - 44 lbs on a 45psi tire.
This is so that Nissan cannot be sued the same way Ford was. You may adjust the pressure down, but you will increase tire heat.
Please use caution when doing this, and pay attention to tire wear patterns. If the sholders show ware, you need to increase the pressure!
Hope this information helps. [/QUOTE]
Partially correct. The maximum tire pressure (that is molded on the side wall) is determined by the tire manufacturer. But the recommended pressure (on the door jamb sticker) is based on testing done by the vehicle manufacturer (not the tire manufacturer), and represents a good compromise pressure for safety, ride, handling, and wear.
Ford recommended a lower pressure for the Explorer, because based on their testing, a higher pressure increased the probability of vehicle roll over.
If you choose to run maximum, or near maximum tire pressures on an unladen pickup truck, be prepared for excessive wear in the center of the tire, and squirrely handling in the rain.