Is a tire pressure of 260 kPa normal for the Buick Excelle?
2 Answers
The tire pressure of 260 kPa is normal for the Buick Excelle when the car is hot; however, it is slightly high when the car is cold. Hazards of overinflated tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; overextends tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the car while driving. Hazards of underinflated tires: Increases friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; makes the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, compromising driving safety; increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; weakens the function of cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage and abnormal wear to the tire bead area.
I'm a regular Buick Excelle owner who commutes to work by car. My car's factory-recommended tire pressure is between 220 to 240 kPa, and 260 kPa sounds a bit high. Driving with this pressure feels stiffer, with noticeably more bumps when going over speed bumps, affecting comfort. This situation might be due to the maintenance shop overinflating the tires or temperature changes. If you frequently drive on highways, excessively high tire pressure can accelerate wear in the center of the tires, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of a blowout. I remember when I first bought the car, the tire pressure was a bit high, and it caused some strange noises. Later, I often went to the 4S shop to check it and found that maintaining 230 kPa was the most comfortable. In short, it's best to use a tire pressure gauge to check the label on the door or the manual when the tires are cold to confirm the normal range. If the pressure is too high, just let out some air.