I have a 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass. We have replaced some of the tires, while others are original. The door panel says that the tire pressure should be 26/29 for front/back, but the tires look really deflated at that rate. Does the pressure recommendation increase as cars tires age? All of the tires have a maximum pressure of about 35-40.
Looks can be miss leading.It may look low but use the recommended pressure that is stated on the tire.Also make sure your air Gage is not faulty,try another gage.
stick with what the door calls for, the tires recommendation is for a maximum load. you will have a smoother ride and longer life if you stick with the 26 29.
Proper tire pressure is determined by application (vehicle type) and tire size, not brand or model of tire, age. All tires of the same size as the original tires - P215/60R15 93T - have the same inflation requirements on your vehicle regardless of how old they are or who made them. As someone who looks at tires all day long for a living I can assure you that you can't tell much of anything by how a tire looks. The guys with the automotive engineering degrees spent a lot of time and money testing the optimal tire pressures for your vehicle. They know best what works. 29/26 is correct.
