206SW 2.0 HDi tyre pressures

[bigjimmy]

I honestly can't believe how hard the tyre pressures are for the 206 2.0 HDi.

2.4 bar front and rear is very high for such a light car, does anyone out there run them with lower pressures and if so what ?

[jamesmcuk1]

Hi mate

you will find that the pressure required is more related to the size of the tyre (volume) than the weight it supports. As they are small tyres they require higher pressures - or more air in the same space. Take for example a mountain bike where the inflation pressure can average around 3.4 bar and a racing bike which can be as much as 6 or more!

Because weight is supported by volume of air, not pressure of air, small tyres require the same volume of air to be compressed in to a smaller space than larger tyres would resulting in a greater PSI or Bar pressure requirement.

Hope I explained this clearly as its hard to put across properly

[bigjimmy]

Well thanks for that James.

In my past I used to write technical and legal words for several of the World's leading tyre manufacturers.

I know only too well that there are quite a few car manufacturers who in the past have publicised tyre pressures that are wholly inaccurate.
Indeed I personally discovered that Toyota published one set of figures for a Corolla in their workshop manuals and for exactly the very same vehicle another set on the 'B' pillars and another set in owners manuals !!
I also personally discovered in former years similar inaccuracies on certain BMW, Mercedes and a whole host of other models as well whilst producing the largest and most comprehensive tyre fitment and pressure chart for one of the major tyre brands.

My posting was to discover if there were possibly some passionate Peugeot people out there who have discovered lower pressures that offer far better ride and handling without compromising safety.