Tires: Do I use standard or loaded tyre pressures on my Xzara Picasso, Tire Pressure

Question
I'm going on holiday this weekend - two adults in front, two teenage girls in rear, about four small suitcases plus bedding in the boot

Q. Do I increase pressures to fully loaded recommendation or stick with standard?  

Answer
Fraser,

Your question is a little confusing.  I suspect it is because you've confused a couple of things.

I'll give you the short answer now.  Post back after your holiday and I'll explain in more detail.

On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker commonly - called the vehicle 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.

The vehicle placard is the proper pressure if you are using the same tire size as listed on the placard.  That pressure is a based on a worst scenario - a fully loaded vehicle.

However, you might want to add 3 to 5 psi to that value.  You'll get better fuel economy, and better tire durability, but at the sacrifice of the ride harshness.

Have to good holiday!