C7 General Discussion General C7 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Tire Pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 09:27 PM
  #1  
Adir Hassid's Avatar
Adir Hassid
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
Default Tire Pressure

Hey guys, just a heads up.

Make sure your tire pressure isn't too high. I got my C7 GS a month ago and I felt like it was excessively ancy, even in tour mode.

The other day I looked at the doorsill sticker and it is said that your cold tire PSI should be 30PSI, I was at 34 PSI cold. I got myself a little meter and adjusted the cold PSI to get to 30.

What a world of a difference. The car feels so much better, pretty crazy how such a little adjustment can have such a bing outcome.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 09:33 PM
  #2  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,136
Likes: 24,734
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

I have always kept the tires on my Corvettes at 30 psi cold - have not encountered a problem at that pressure level.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2020 | 09:34 PM
  #3  
mjcourt's Avatar
mjcourt
Pro
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 604
Likes: 129
Default

Always good to keep track of tire pressure. About 6 months ago I test drove a brand new Miata. The ride was very rough, even the mirror was shaking on the windshield. I questioned the sales guy and he said everything gets verified when a car come in. I grabbed the pressure meter out of my car and checked and the meter pegged at over 50 psi!
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 07:03 PM
  #4  
JMII's Avatar
JMII
Safety Car
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Default

Originally Posted by mjcourt
I grabbed the pressure meter out of my car and checked and the meter pegged at over 50 psi!
Yikes! That is crazy high goes to show what their idea of "verified" means. My guess is the car got washed and vacuumed then thrown on the lot. They likely didn't check a thing because tire pressure would be like #2 or 3 after brakes and wheel nuts as far as safety goes.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 07:30 PM
  #5  
Blu-Beast's Avatar
Blu-Beast
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 642
Likes: 120
From: DFW Area TX
Default

Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
I have always kept the tires on my Corvettes at 30 psi cold - have not encountered a problem at that pressure level.
same here
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 07:47 PM
  #6  
gpotski's Avatar
gpotski
Race Director
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14,606
Likes: 219
From: Ohio
Default

Big tires are very temperature sensitive.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 08:16 PM
  #7  
Gearhead Jim's Avatar
Gearhead Jim
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Default

There was a year or two where the sticker said 35 psi for some C7's, but that was just a cheap trick by GM to get very slightly higher MPG in the testing.
As others say, you want 30 psi cold. 35 cold will degrade the ride, handling, and tire life.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 10:33 PM
  #8  
Avanti's Avatar
Avanti
Race Director
25 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,954
Likes: 6,755
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Default

Some years ago I experienced the same situation with another new sports car. Worthless d**ned dealer prep... and, it's not all GM by any means.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 10, 2020 | 11:09 PM
  #9  
madrob2020's Avatar
madrob2020
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,016
From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
Default

Not just “low level” techs at dealers. MANY times I’ve had tires put on & they just look at MAX pressure on sidewall & fill to that. Never understand why people don’t at least try to do due diligence of checking things after any work. Just a simple visual of under the hood can save misery. 😎
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 02:01 AM
  #10  
Skid Row Joe's Avatar
Skid Row Joe
Team Owner
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
Default

I always check tire pressures at start up in the ICD. It's identical to using my air pressure guage.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 08:12 AM
  #11  
Zjoe6's Avatar
Zjoe6
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 4,743
From: SE WI
Default

Always 30 cold. I keep an eye on them when I'm driving.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 04:02 PM
  #12  
Ultimate ride's Avatar
Ultimate ride
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 23
From: Ohio
Default

When I bought my new to me 2016 C7 and drove it home from the dealership it felt like it had no suspension. When I checked the tire pressure I found someone had put 48 psi in each of the 4 tires! I didn't notice the hard ride when I tested the car as I was in heavy traffic the for entire test.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 04:03 PM
  #13  
6spdC6's Avatar
6spdC6
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,749
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Default

Originally Posted by Zjoe6
Always 30 cold. I keep an eye on them when I'm driving.

Yep, that usually my choice on the instrument panel I do what I got to do pushing buttons, but leave it there when driving..
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 10:11 PM
  #14  
jimmbbo's Avatar
jimmbbo
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
Default

I use 27 psi cold... gives a bit of a smoother ride without any noticeable tread wear problems...
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2020 | 11:22 PM
  #15  
LV Vette's Avatar
LV Vette
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 161
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by jimmbbo
I use 27 psi cold... gives a bit of a smoother ride without any noticeable tread wear problems...
I was wondering about lower than 30psi. I live in Las Vegas, and it sure gets hot here in the summer. With the tire pressure set at 30psi cold, after driving in this heat, the pressure can go up to 35psi. I have a GS, and know about the wide body wheel problems. I was thinking about setting the cold pressure at 28psi, so it will go up to about 32 or 33psi while driving. What do you people think?
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2020 | 02:55 AM
  #16  
Skid Row Joe's Avatar
Skid Row Joe
Team Owner
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 32,042
Likes: 4,610
Default

Originally Posted by 6spdC6
Yep, that usually my choice on the instrument panel I do what I got to do pushing buttons, but leave it there when driving..
Me too! I figure it's pretty important info in real time!
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2020 | 08:13 AM
  #17  
bjones7131's Avatar
bjones7131
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by LV Vette
I was wondering about lower than 30psi. I live in Las Vegas, and it sure gets hot here in the summer. With the tire pressure set at 30psi cold, after driving in this heat, the pressure can go up to 35psi. I have a GS, and know about the wide body wheel problems. I was thinking about setting the cold pressure at 28psi, so it will go up to about 32 or 33psi while driving. What do you people think?
I leave mine at 28 cold, rides softer and no noticeable difference in tire ware going on 3.5 yrs. 9.5K miles. Should be easier on the cracked wheel issue as well.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Tire Pressure

Old Aug 12, 2020 | 08:26 AM
  #18  
madrob2020's Avatar
madrob2020
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,016
From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
Default

Originally Posted by bjones7131
****** Should be easier on the cracked wheel issue as well.
With these low profile & next to no rubber between road & wheel, less air in tire means less stiff rubber to absorb some of the shock going over expansion joints, potholes, etc. Rubber with less air pressure will allow tire to flex more which COULD lead to sidewall cracking also. JMO

Last edited by madrob2020; Aug 12, 2020 at 08:26 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2020 | 08:36 AM
  #19  
Red08's Avatar
Red08
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,391
Likes: 1,453
From: South Dakota
Default

Originally Posted by Blu-Beast
same here
Ditto
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2020 | 09:23 AM
  #20  
Jerrys-1LT's Avatar
Jerrys-1LT
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 97
Likes: 71
From: Palm Desert CA
Default

Originally Posted by LV Vette
I was wondering about lower than 30psi. I live in Las Vegas, and it sure gets hot here in the summer. With the tire pressure set at 30psi cold, after driving in this heat, the pressure can go up to 35psi. I have a GS, and know about the wide body wheel problems. I was thinking about setting the cold pressure at 28psi, so it will go up to about 32 or 33psi while driving. What do you people think?
I live in Vegas also and was wondering the same thing. I'm sure you've noticed that our excessive summer heat makes tires hard as rocks after around 5 years. So I wonder if it would be a bad idea to run lower pressure for fear of sidewall cracking.

I just replaced tires on my 2015 Honda (only had 17000 miles on them) and the difference in ride is remarkable. I knew they were getting hard by the lack of traction. I don't know how old your tires are but I think the stiffness once they harden will be the real danger to your wheels.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:01 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE