Does anyone know of any actual data regarding how tire pressures affect performance in snow? Ice? I've read some comments here on old threads but none seem actually based on any data or studies. I am convinced that higher then toyota recommended pressures increase mpg results and perform just fine in warm weather - but what about winter tires?
I've read several documents from tire manufacturers that say snow and ice tires work better with more pressure in them. With snow tires the reason is they will clear the snow out of the tread better. With ice you want the "proper pressure", which is usually "more when you air them up", because when it gets colder they loose pressure. You want them to have the correct pressure so you have even load across the tread, allowing the rubber to get maximum grip all the way across. When on ice you have much lower grip, so you want all you can get! I run 40 PSI front and 38 PSI rear in my "stock size" Nokian WR tires. Seems to work very well.
