Tires: tire pressure, tire placard, continental contitrac tires

Question
Hello,

 I have a 2005 Ford Escape with 235/70R 16 Continental Contitrac tires installed. On the seide of the tires it states that max operating pressure is 44 psi.
What would be the ideal operating pressure for these tires?
Thank you........

Answer
Michael,

On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker – commonly called the tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.

Personally, I like a car that handles crisply. So I use 3 to 5 psi above the placard pressure.  I also get better fuel economy, better wet traction, better snow traction, better tire durability, better tire wear, but I do have a degradation in ride harshness (but I am willing to put up with it.)

BTW, it doesn't matter who makes the tire or what pressure is listed on the tire's sidewall, if the tire size is the same as the placard, then the pressure listed on placard is also appropriate.