Tires: Different tire air pressure, tire air pressure, hills and valleys

Question
I just bought a van and the previous owner just put 2 new tires with matching size but different psi numbers on the actual tire. One is 44 and the other is 36. I am not sure if I should go by the placard in the car or the actual tire number - should they be the same - the tires seem to roar some which drives my wife nuts. Any help would be much appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Cliff!

You should always go by the placard on the doorjamb or the glovebox wherever it may be and set it according to the manufacturer of the vehicle. Never go by the max inflation stamped on the side of the tire since the tire manufacturers don't know what vehicle the tire will be put on.

As far as the roaring noise, this could be caused by several different things, run your hand over the tread of all four tires and see if they are fairly smooth. What you are looking for is high and low spots( like little "hills and valleys" ) on the tread area itself. If they are there have the tires rotated/balanced, the suspension checked and finally the alignment. This will not grow rubber back on the tire and smooth it out, but it may prevent further damage from occuring to the tread.

The noise may be coming from the tread design by itself, not much can be done here except for replacing the tires.

You may just want to have the van inspected by a trusted, reputable shop as for the cause of a roar could be quite lengthy in explanation here.

Anything else let me know!!!!!


Andrew ;)