Should I lower the PSI during the Winter?

[paulyd0021]

So I was going to buy some winter tires, but because I cant really afford good ones right now I'm thinking I might hold off, plus I just realized that I would have to pay for mounting and dismounting twice a year which will add up in the long run if i continue to use winter tires. I live in MI.

So my question is if I should lower the PSI in my tires to get better traction?

The car states that the these specific tires (185/60/15) should be at 32 PSI. The max PSI on the tires say 44 PSI. I run them usually around 38 in the front and 37 in the back to get a better MPG. So should I lower them back down to 32 PSI? Or even lower than that? Or is 37 still ok?

I dont feel like I have much control when driving over snow.

Also any other tips? I'm going to try putting a lot of salt bags in my back seat instead of my trunk area since its a FWD. I hear putting it in the very back wont be as good because the front needs more weight. Anyways thanks for any suggestions.

[schleppy]

I am also wondering what I should do for my winter tire pressures. Right now I'm running 35psi in my Firestone Winterforce tires. First storm should be soon, so we'll see how well they behanve.

[WeeYari]

What is currently on your car for rubber? Are you still on factory originals? If so, as far as winter is concerned, they are shot. Dropping PSI on factory rubber is not going to help one bit. Given your location, you would be best to just suck it up and invest in some winters. Go for what you can afford. Anything snow rated is going to be better than what you currently have. Craigslist may be your friend, but I suspect pickings have probably gotten very slim over the past week.

[DerFlosser]

I woud recommend slightly higher PSI in the winter. You want a skinnier tire. I run 35lbs and check the pressure every 2 weeks depending on how cold it has been.

[paulyd0021]

Well I'm not sure if the tires are originals, but I suspect they might not be because the tread is still pretty deep. I tried the old coin trick with a penny and quarter to measure them. I've only had the car since July and I bought it used. Its a 2007 hatchback. The tires that are on it right now are Kelly Navigator Golds 185/60/15. Is there a specific tire that all Yaris's start out with originally?

[why?]

never heard of those tires. the Yaris could come with bridgestone potenza's, yokohamas, or goodyear's from the factory.

[Red Horse]

I went to big bear mountain and im running 50 psi on 4 tires