Mx5 tyre pressures; 40psi!?

[AidenT]

Hey everyone. This is my first time on the PH forums so I'm not entirely sure if I'm in the right spot - please don't hate me if I am.
Anyways, I've got a mk2 mx5 1.8 litre running the standard 16 inch rims with 205 section tyres, but I'm not sure what pressure they should be inflated to. The owners manual suggest a measly 26psi which seems low to me, and I'm doing a defensive driving course in a couple of weeks time and they want my tyres inflated to 40psi for the day - that seems a bit extreme to me... I'm thinking they should be around 32psi, what are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

[sl350z]

AidenT said:

Hey everyone. This is my first time on the PH forums so I'm not entirely sure if I'm in the right spot - please don't hate me if I am.
Anyways, I've got a mk2 mx5 1.8 litre running the standard 16 inch rims with 205 section tyres, but I'm not sure what pressure they should be inflated to. The owners manual suggest a measly 26psi which seems low to me, and I'm doing a defensive driving course in a couple of weeks time and they want my tyres inflated to 40psi for the day - that seems a bit extreme to me... I'm thinking they should be around 32psi, what are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

26-30 for road and track

They want you to run 40psi then do t...

[Reechard]

As above. 26-30 is what i run my mk1 around. Adjusted to the track day and how warm they get. Day to day about 28 though.

And if they want them at 40 then do it. It will no doubt be to take the extra strain and such for the day. They will know what they are on about, but take a pump to adjust them on the day.

[AidenT]

Thanks guys. Went down to the auto shop and got a tyre pressure guage thing, as it turns out I've been running them at 35psi (got the car a couple of months ago and came with brand new tyres). Took a wheel off to check the wear, all seems linear, and it feels nice on the road so i'll leave them at 35. 40 should be fine as well.
Thanks again!

[sl350z]

AidenT said:

Thanks guys. Went down to the auto shop and got a tyre pressure guage thing, as it turns out I've been running them at 35psi (got the car a couple of months ago and came with brand new tyres). Took a wheel off to check the wear, all seems linear, and it feels nice on the road so i'll leave them at 35. 40 should be fine as well.
Thanks again!

Perfect for sideways

[MX-5 Lazza]

AidenT said:

...and it feels nice on the road so i'll leave them at 35. 40 should be fine as well.

Taking some of that pressure out will feel better. You might think it feels fine now but it can always feel better, especially on wet roads. It'll only have 35psi in it now because monkeys that fit tyres always put 35psi into all car tyres regardless of the car. An MX5 is too light for 35psi.
What tyres are fitted?

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Saturday 29th December 23:51

[AidenT]

The tyres are Ovation VI 388 Performance 205/45R16. I'm based in Australia and its Summer here. Not sure if that information makes much difference.. I'll take them down a few notches today, see how it goes.