ok, so i've done my research across the previous threads on this forum around the topic of tire pressures and i've also read the owner's manual.

this is what i've discovered:

- the tire pressure ratings on the side of the driver's door is for MAX LOAD / FULL capacity. that is, 44 PSI front tires and 49 PSI rear tires.

- owner's manual also says the same, and that for normal loads the tire pressure for BOTH front and rear tires should be 35 PSI. they define normal load as 3 passengers or less.

- there was a recommendation on a previous post referencing Luke from Tirerack to run the Q7 at 36 PSI.


i just bought a 2008 CPO Q7 3.6 and the dealer just installed new tires - the Hankook Ventus AS (which got decent reviews on Tirerack and treadlife rating of 420 which is higher than many of the OEM tires that are rated 300-400). they loaded both the front and rear tires at 44 PSI. the wheels are 20 inches.

i live in california and never with snow around my area, and usually load 2 adults and 2 kids (under 40 lbs each), with some light cargo only. currently at 44 PSI on the hankook ventus, i feel that the ride is VERY bumpy.


my questions:

1. since i've only owned this vehicle for about a month now, and i've already read numerous complaints about the tire wear on this car due to its weight or whatever...... is there an optimal tire pressure that you guys have experienced??

2. will lowering the pressure from 44 PSI to about 37-38 PSI improve for a smoother ride??? would i then sacrifice GAS mileage on the car at 37-38 PSI?

3. and for all you guys that have owned the Q7 for 2 or more sets of tires..... was the tire wear more along the middle of the tire (which infers overinflation) OR was the tire wear on the outside of the tires (which infers underinflation) OR perhaps just pretty even wear? i'm thinking most probably had wear in the middle of tire since the dealer probably inflated tires according to the driver side door wall?????

great forum.... thanks for all of your support thus far. as i learn more from you experts, i promise to give back in the future to newer newbies. =)