Correct Air Pressure question

[carnut77459]

My 2007 3.2 VR6 Eos got a nail in the Pirelli P6 and the Discount Tire people prodded me into replacing all the tires. I'll admit they were getting thin and the traction control came on in a hard rain on the freeway. The original tires were 235/40 and they talked be into a 225/40 whose name I can't remember. Their computer printed out the air pressure as 41 psi front and rear. The tire info on the door had the pressure as 38 psi and I asked the sales guy what the correct pressure should be. He pointed to the receipt that said 41 psi.

I have the stock alloy rims and I wonder what the correct pressure should be for the 225/40's on my stock rims.

Way back in the late 1960's I worked part time at Sears busting tires but we didn't have the low profile stuff and wide rims that we have today.

I have been considering trading the Eos in on a newer car (before I have to replace the 2 batteries which are original) and I didn't really want to buy new tires for a car with 29,000 miles on it.

[cb391]

If they talked you into 225/40-18, They sold you the wrong size. You should have 235/40-18. The other size is for GTI and GLIs which are lighter weight cars. The OEM tires may also be XL rated. Pressure is 37PSI. Take your owner's manual with you and show them. The tire size and info is also on the driver's side door frame by the latch. I think Discount Tire gives you a 30 day period to come back and get something else if you are dissatisfied. The tire size error is theirs. They have the right info on their website. I never had the Pirellis as they were only offered in 18" and I have 17" so I can't vouch for tire wear. I certainly wouldn't skimp on the tires whether you are keeping the car or not. Again with the batteries, that is a maintenance item and would get replaced sooner than later. You live in Houston and the heat takes a bigger toll on things.

[carnut77459]

They knew the original size was 235/40-18 and it is on the door jam. I don't think they had any or many in stock. I had to replace 2 of the Pirelli's after hitting the worlds largest pot hole and knocking a 1" hole in the sidewall and bending the rim a few years ago. At that time the dealer owed me a rim and I had to order the 2 Pirellis from another state. The VW dealer put them on the car (the car was a dealer demo with 7k miles on it when I bought it in 2008).

Discount put me on the 225/40-18 Kuhmos to save some money and I really don't mind the smaller width. I don't plan on driving any SCCA events with the car and I think the smaller size won't matter much for driving to the bus stop daily.

I'm thinking 38 psi will be about right for the 225/40's.

[cb391]

As far as the tire pressure, I would stop at your VW dealer and find out the pressure for your size from a new GTI, or check with the people on the GTI forum. I'm guessing 36 or 37 PSI. I understand the saving money part. However lowering the width and possible weight rating of the tires could introduce a safety factor. Maybe in the type of driving you do, you'll never see a problem. But in a potential accident situation you might. I realized early on with our Eos that it wasn't going to be a cheap car to keep. But one of the things I won't mess with is any OEM installed safety item or system.

[DavidPaul]

My 2007 3.2 VR6 Eos got a nail in the Pirelli P6 and the Discount Tire people prodded me into replacing all the tires. I'll admit they were getting thin and the traction control came on in a hard rain on the freeway. The original tires were 235/40 and they talked be into a 225/40 whose name I can't remember. Their computer printed out the air pressure as 41 psi front and rear. The tire info on the door had the pressure as 38 psi and I asked the sales guy what the correct pressure should be. He pointed to the receipt that said 41 psi.

I have the stock alloy rims and I wonder what the correct pressure should be for the 225/40's on my stock rims.

Way back in the late 1960's I worked part time at Sears busting tires but we didn't have the low profile stuff and wide rims that we have today.

I have been considering trading the Eos in on a newer car (before I have to replace the 2 batteries which are original) and I didn't really want to buy new tires for a car with 29,000 miles on it.

Never, and I mean never, never put new tires on a vehicle that you plan on trading in. The dealer will not allow you the money you spent on them. This is definite no no.

Of course, the same goes for your batteries.

If you are selling privately, you should replace the batteries and tires as a selling point but do not purchase high end tires. New is good enough.

[carnut77459]

Sorry for the late replies, the notify does not work for me or I didn't turn it on.

I had a nail in the driver's rear tire and they were showing signs of dry rot. The car is outside in Houston heat 24/7. The Discount Tire guys were claiming they would not repair the tire because the tread depth was too low and I had to buy something or put a leaking tire back on and drive somewhere else.

I have seen these scare tactics used on women. My wife took her Mountaineer to a tire shop to get a rotation and balance and they had her convinced her tires were about to blow out. They were on the low end, but they had at least 10,000 miles left on them.

I understand that Discount has a business to run, but scaring people is a poor way to do it. I did look on their web page and they have a 235/40 Kumho as well as the 225/40 I got, so I may take them up on their "bring it back" policy.

I like the Eos but my red paint is about shot, so I'm looking at a repaint of the hood and trunk as well as replacing the twin batteries. I've had it since 2008 and am thinking of a new car, but I need to make room in the garage for it.