tyre psi
12-19-2017, 02:36 PM
#3
Registered User
The door jamb sticker will also show what size and type the stock tires were. If your defender lists E-rated LT265/75r16 tires as stock (which I doubt), just use the recommended psi. However, if it lists p-rated tires or a different size entirely, you'll want to use a different pressure in your new tires. Driving on roads you don't want to run LT's lower than 35 psi for any reason on a truck as heavy as yours.
Alternately, if you want to dig into tire pressure science, you can become a math nerd. Find your curb weight and divide by 4 to get the weight being supported by each individual tire. On the sidewall you'll see a load rating of 123r or 3417 lbs @ max pressure of 80psi. If you inflated to 80 psi, your tires could safely support 13,668 lbs (3417 lbs × 4). Depending on what year defender you have, the curb weight is more around 4400 lbs, so the maximum pressure is way too high and will feel really harsh even if you have a full load of people and cargo. Start by cutting the max pressure in half, with a load bias towards the rear (to compensate for cargo loads), so 35psi front and 45psi rear. That leaves enough of a load reserve so you don't ever have to worry about ruining your tires but should give tolerable comfort on the road.
Alternately, if you want to dig into tire pressure science, you can become a math nerd. Find your curb weight and divide by 4 to get the weight being supported by each individual tire. On the sidewall you'll see a load rating of 123r or 3417 lbs @ max pressure of 80psi. If you inflated to 80 psi, your tires could safely support 13,668 lbs (3417 lbs × 4). Depending on what year defender you have, the curb weight is more around 4400 lbs, so the maximum pressure is way too high and will feel really harsh even if you have a full load of people and cargo. Start by cutting the max pressure in half, with a load bias towards the rear (to compensate for cargo loads), so 35psi front and 45psi rear. That leaves enough of a load reserve so you don't ever have to worry about ruining your tires but should give tolerable comfort on the road.
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