Tire bulge

[rahjah]

I have a set of Goodyear Wrangler A\T's, 16 inch, on my 02 Runner and I just have a quick tire pressure question. I currently have them inflated to 32psi per the data sticker inside the door jamb. If you look down the side of the truck at what I would call the profile of the tire they have a slight bulge or pooch in the sidewall if that makes sense. I was wondering if I should inflate them to the point where the bulge is gone as long as I do not exceed the maximum pressure? For the time being the truck only sees street use and I am trying to decrease fuel consumption wherever I can but I do not want to wear out the tires prematurely either. I know this is probably a noob question but most of my past experience is with lower profile tires where a bulge normally meant the tire was low. Thanks in advance.

 

[shadyluke]

Radial Tires are supposed to bulge in the sidewalls. The max rating on the tire is for max load carrying capability of the tire. The pressure listed in the jamb is a good starting point. Adjust from there to achieve a better contact patch with the road, this will give you the best tire life with even wear and the best traction. The sidewall of new tires tend to be stiff and will break in some as you drive it. I would put some miles on then see if you need to adjust.

 

[rahjah]

I have only had the truck since January, but the tires that are on it were installed in October of 2012 so they already have some miles on them but they still have a ton of tread which I am trying to get maximum life out of.

 

[shadyluke]

At this point they are broken in. What is the actual tire size of the tires and are they on factory wheels? If not what is the wheel width?

 

[Gerdo]

The door sticker is the proper inflation for a P series tire. A LT tire requires a little more pressure to carry the same weight. Usually about 10% more (3-5 psi). If the ATs are a LT tire, I would run 35-38psi.

A slight bulge is normal and expected.
DO NOT EXCEED THE MAX PRESSURE STATED ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE.
A tire that is over inflated can also reduce traction, especially on slick surfaces.

 

[rahjah]

Cool, that's good info. Thank you.