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I need some education on TPS. I have had my 04 white on white convertible for 5 weeks now and in checking the tire pressures they are at 37 or 38psi in all tires. The tires are BF Goodrich TA KDW. These are brand new and were put on the car by the dealer before I got it (done as part of their GM Certified program). I know the door sticker says 30psi but I assume that is for the runflats that originally came on the car. Should I decrease the air pressure and then do I need to recalibrate the sensors?
Lower them to 30 psi cold. By cold, I mean when the tires have not been travelled on. Remember, p.s.i. is Pounds per square inch and has to do with the weight of the car and the size of the contact patch as it relates to the air pressure in the tire. If the new tires you put on are the same size as the factory runflats the door placard still applies. You will not need to do anything to reset your tire pressure sensors after you do this.
Tire pressure is not a set it and forget it item. You will need to check and readjust this as the outside air temperature changes. The tire pressure will increase with increases in temperature and decrease with decreases in temperature.
Running with tire pressure in the high 30's will likely result in a horrible ride and prematurely wear the center of the tires.