Dealer recommends front 35psi and rear 33psi. Goodyear says max 51psi. I've gotten the most miles from tires from running closer to tire manufacturer max pressure and would think this also would help gas mileage. Just purchased this 2014 prius c and am wondering what's best for this auto.
I'd go with what it says in the owners manual and in the door jam. What the AUTO maker recommends. The Tire Manufacturers MAX...is simply what the tire manufacturer thinks is the max PSI for the tire, not what is best for the automobile the tires may be mounted on.
It is just a CAR. All, or most, of the common rules still apply. The MAX. pressure is not a recommendation unless you have enough weight to be at the upper limit of carrying capacity. If you don't mind a little harsher ride and potentially some extra wear and tear on the suspension, run them as near to MAX. as you desire. Oh, and the tires might not wear evenly but nobody here really is seeing that it seems. You might gain a couple of MPG. Personally, I won't run mine over +4 because I don't like the ride when it gets too high.
my Bridgestones also are supposed to be at 35/33 according to the door jam. my 2014 Prius c One handles best for me at 44psi on all four tires. and 44psi is the max pressure on the Bridgestones. even if i could go 51 psi like your Goodyear's max, it seems to be a bone jarring hardness in concept.
Go somewhere in the middle. Balance mpg and ride quality. I use 40 front and 38 or 36 rear. I'm happy. You can choose to maximize your ride or maximize your mpgs on the tires you have. You won't get both.
