Tires: Tire Pressure Honda Civic 97, impact resistance, load index

Question
Hi,
I have a honda civic 97 hatchback using a 205/40Z/R17 80W tire with a max load of 450KG at 250Kpo(36psi)cold.  

I want to know what is the recomended tire pressure?

Thanks

Answer
Adonis,

Every vehicle sold in the US has a sticker - commonly called the palcard - that will list the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  Placards are usually located on a doorpost or in the glovebox.  You need to find the placard for your vehicle because what I am about to tell you is based on that information - and if I have it wrong, then everything after that will be wrong as well.

My book says a 1997 Honda Civic originally came with P185/65R14 87S 30 psi front 29 psi rear.

In order to carry the same load as the original equipment tires, a 205/40R17 needs to use 37 psi front / 36 psi rear - if it were an Extra Load tire.  Unfortunately, you have a standard load tire and the load carrying capacity isn't enough to carry the same load as the original equipment tires.  

Ordinarily, I'd suggest you add about 3 psi to improve the impact resistance of the tires, particularly with regard to the rims.

So the next time you buy tires you should get Extra Load tires (Load Index 84).  Nevertheless I'd recommend you use 40 psi front and 39 psi rear.