A6 tire maintenance

[TallGuy]

Driving home (in the Los Angeles area) I got the TPMS warning. I checked the pressure on the "warm" tires. I had the following readings on my Conti 245/45 R18 100 HXL. The rears were 36 and the front right was 35 and front left 32. I read the door sticker and the manual. Not sure what my target should be. Most of the time I am driving alone or with my wife, sometimes (rarely there will be 3 or 4 people in the car). The recommendations in the manual 1-2 passengers 35 front 32 rear. But with 3 or 4 passengers 38 front 41 rear. Recommendation seems a little counter-intuitive that the rear goes up much higher than the front with heavy load, while the normal load is the front is higher than the rear. Right now I set the fronts for 35 and the rear for 32. Input would be welcome.

Would appreciate two other suggestions: When checking the tires I realized I totally hate the digital tire gauge I bought years ago. Very fussy about positioning on valve and holding button down at same time. Also the old 12v tire pump uses 12 amps and I think maybe the Audi supply is maxing at 10. Anybody have suggestion for a 10 amp unit that is more to the quiet side of filling rattling? Also what are your feelings on a screw on to the stem type of attachment vs the clamp down type. Mine currently has the clamp down and it feels like it takes so much pressure to get is secured that I will guillotine the valve stem.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays,
Steve

[rayray]

It's all about the center of gravity (CG) and the weight/balance ratio. Adding weight to the rear throws the CG just enough out its limit to degrade handling and performance. By adjusting the rear tire to the specified PSI, it balances out the load factor to within the car's CG limit.

Personally I like the screw type for a secure seal, but found those can strip easy if you are not careful. I bought both of my pumps aftermarket and only had to use only one once.


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[TallGuy]

Thanks, that helps.
Steve

[Packy]

Last time you put air in the tires, did you "set" pressures? I believe it will go off when pressure drops a certain amount below the set amount.

[BrentAdams646]

I run all 4 corners at 40psi. There are much more important things to worry about in life than what air pressures should be used with how many passengers and so on... lol!

[TallGuy]

I am not sure how sensitive the change in pressure should be. The 2 fronts were only 1.5 lb different. The 2 rear 1 lb. Front to rear was as much as 4 lbs, but I did not know the original pressure settings that were set.

[name.goes.here]

I run all 4 corners at 40psi. There are much more important things to worry about in life than what air pressures should be used with how many passengers and so on... lol!

40?

[Packy]

I run all 4 corners at 40psi. There are much more important things to worry about in life than what air pressures should be used with how many passengers and so on... lol!

I run 46 psi regardelss of the number of passengers. I think 40 may be a bit low, especially with that profile.

[Packy]

I am not sure how sensitive the change in pressure should be. The 2 fronts were only 1.5 lb different. The 2 rear 1 lb. Front to rear was as much as 4 lbs, but I did not know the original pressure settings that were set.

After you put air in the tires go to: car, servicing, set tire pressure. then select that. That "sets" your pressure. when tire pressure drops a certain amount from that, it will alarm.