Tires: Proper Tire Inflation - Falken Tires, proper tire inflation, oldsmobile alero

Question
Hi Barry,

We just purchased a 2004 Olds Alero for my wife. It has Falken Viex ZE912 Tires on it (255/50 R16 96V). Can you tell me what the proper inflation should be for these tires?

Thanks!

Glenn

Answer
Glenn,

According to Tire Guides a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero originally came with P225/50R16's on 6 1/2" rims inflated to 30 psi front and rear.

In order to carry the same load as the original tires, a 255/50R16 needs less pressure than I think is prudent, so I'm going to recommend using 26 psi to reduce the risk of the bead becoming unseated during cornering maneuvers.

Plus you should be aware that this tire is at the minimum rim width - which means the tire may have a tendency to "arch" in the middle - which may result in the car tending to follow grooves in the pavement.  It may also cause some wear issues.