Pushing up the pressure just because MAX pressure rating are higher is counter to safety and not a good approach. Independent of the tire used, you will have a smaller contact patch.
If you have the same weight on the wheel (you didn't change the car, only the tire) the contact patch is defined by the pressure. At N pounds per square inch and M pounds, you end up with M/N square inches. This is independent of any sidewall rating! Since the weight is constant, increasing pressure will always reduce the contact patch size.
Please talk to your tire manufacturer about pressures.
I am driving the car and "feeling " my way. I'm feeling for, general ride, tire reaction to bumps along my same travelled roads, lane changing, turning corners, and all the other similar types of driving that I do.
Keep an eye on tread wear, too. It'll be easy to tell if they're over-inflated or under-inflated, although probably not in the short term.
I upgraded from stock to 17" wheels (Genius Darwin/Yoko S-Drives) several weeks back. I immediately felt a tremendous increase in stability when at speed.
Last weekend, I went for a long drive through the Texas hill country. For the first time since I got the new wheels, I experienced gusty crosswinds. With the stock tires, even light winds would push me all over the road. With the big "meats", I bareley even noticed the wind.
I think upgrading to larger wheels is a great investment in your driving pleasure.
I upgraded from stock to 17" wheels (Genius Darwin/Yoko S-Drives) several weeks back. I immediately felt a tremendous increase in stability when at speed.
Last weekend, I went for a long drive through the Texas hill country. For the first time since I got the new wheels, I experienced gusty crosswinds. With the stock tires, even light winds would push me all over the road. With the big "meats", I bareley even noticed the wind.
I think upgrading to larger wheels is a great investment in your driving pleasure.
Thanks for the feedback! Any noticeable slowdown in acceleration? I know it's not a speed demon, just wonder how acceleration feels with the bigger wheels.
NukleoN and all others, Thanks a lot for your helpful comments and suggestions. I changed pressure yesterday. I am zeroing in on "proper" tire pressure. I'm not doing anything excessive or dumb. The car is "feeling" a little closer to NORMAL. Will keep changing pressures and "testing".One of the most felt change when I upped the pressure to 24 front and 42 rear was that the rolling resistance when I was coasting,Foot off of gas peddle, was much longer distance travelled and vehicle maintained speed better. I totally agree with NukleoN's last post.I,too, have "felt" the same changes in the driving characteristics of my car, also THE best change I've made to my car... I am VERY much looking forward to meeting all of the NAMES that we "talk" to here, and running the Dragon again. Please look for my silver/silver Smart,"SPORTY SHORTY. I'll also have my nametag on a colorful hawaiian shirt. Keep the rubber side down. Til' then,Cheerz, smartCHIP
I've had more driving time on the new tire pressures now and am getting more comfortable with the handling. I have gone to one of my "off the beaten path sites" and was able to "push" the car a little harder. Handling is more crisp and compliant. The increased "stuck to the ground is still there that I got when I changed over to the Yokohama S-drive tires,(love the tires). I haven't gotten to the point of squealling the tires on turns yet, but I'm working up to it. Will keep tunin' for the Dragon!!! See y'all there. SmartChip
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