I just replaced the OEM tires (Pirelli P6s--horribly noisy tires) on my '07 A3 with ContiProcontacts. They seem much smoother riding and infinitely quieter. The door jamb tire pressure label calls for 38 lbs in the front tires and 36 in the rear. This seems high to me. The car rides hard and a bit jittery with such high pressures. The manual suggests 36 front and 32 rear with a half-load. Any words of wisdom here from folks that know more about tire pressures than I?
Thanks for your adivce.

 

My technique has been to follow the P.S.I. suggestion on the tire sidewall. Handling and comfort seems fine.

 

Unless you're often fully loaded, follow the lower recommendation for tire pressure.

 

I followed oem with my P6's, they lasted a little over 10k, I then endured another 10k, to convince my self it was not me, that was the problem . . . lol

Have 26k on my bs re960as, running 38 f&r, and it looks like I may at least get another 10k.

Sounds like ur running 18s or 19s if you don't like the rough ride? Or just crappy (normal) roads . . . haha

oem for the 17s was 35f32r.

 

I've never seen a recomended tire pressure on a tire, usually it's the maximum which is really too high. The cars recomended is a good place to start. More pressure for agressive driving (autocross and track use) or you are loading the car up for an extended trip at speeds.

 

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html