Tires: tire air pressure, tire placard, tire air pressure

Question
My wife's car has Douglas tires(195/70R14)which say max. air press. 44 PSI. Our mechanic said he had never heard of 14" tires being inflated over 35 PSI. I disagree. Which air pressure is correct? Also, I just read that this brand of tire is very noisy or loud, which would explain why it sounds like we are riding on Amish wagon wheels. Is this true? Thanks, Big Mike

Answer
Mike,

First, I will not comment on particulars with regard to brands because I work for a major tire manufacturer and I just don't it's right for me to do so.

But your mechanic is behind the times.  Here's my standard answer on inflation pressure:

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On every vehicle sold in the US - and I understand this is a worldwide practice as well - there is a sticker – commonly called the vehicle 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.

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.

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So your vehicle will tell you what the proper pressure should be - not your tires.