Expert: Matt Lyons - 4/23/2008

Question
What are the benefits of lower tire PSI because i know it increases the contact patch and is able to handle high speed so the tire wont pop do to centrifigal force. It might be more but i really wanna know what are the cons for the lower pressure and what are the benefits for more pressure.

Answer
Lower PSI is used at the track to increase the tire contact patch for a better launch. It has detrimental effects at the top end by causing parasitic drag and also one hell of a wicked ride to steer!
Centrifugal force doesn't cause the tire to pop. The bead of the tire is designed to retain the tire to the rim. So, More pressure gives you less rolling resistance and more steering control while lower pressure increases the coefficient of friction but makes the vehicle sloppy at high speeds.