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Tires/Tire Pressure

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Expert: Barry Smith - 7/4/2009


Question
I have just recently put a set of 35x12.5x15 BFG's on my 1996 Toyota Tacoma.  They have been on almost two months and the sides are wearing down.  What is the recommended tire pressure for these tires?  Im not off roading, just everyday driving right now.  Thank you for you time.

Answer
James,

On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker – commonly called the 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.

According to Tire Guides, a 1996 Toyota Tacoma originally came with .... well .... a variety of tire sizes and a variety of inflation pressures.  Normally I would match the tire size / inflation pressure combination's load carrying capacity with the new tire size - BUT - the resulting pressure is lower than what I consider to be prudent.  So I am going to recommend you use 26 psi.

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Barry Smith

Expertise

I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800" number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of my work experience.

Experience

Member SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization) SCCA Regional Competiton License holder Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.

Organizations
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Tire Society

Publications
You may want to visit my web site: http://www.barrystiretech.com/index.html

Education/Credentials
I am a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH - BME, 1971 I attended graduate school at the University of Akron - but did not complete my PhD - something I regret.

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