USA Forester XT Tire pressure question

[QX]

USA Forester XT 2005
Can anyone advise a good (safe)tire pressure to maximize gas mileage?
I know what Subaru advises, but suspect that that is to maximize ride
comfort. Tires are the original Geolanders. I want to increase gas
mileage, but not take a chance on irregular treadwear due to
overinflation.
Car is driven primarily 85/15 ( % city/highway).
Climate is hot, though cooling somewhat (daytime to 95°F in the Las
Vegas NV area).
Thanks

 

[Edward Hayes]

I run 10% (~3 psig) over door recommendation. I do not think Subaru or
many manufactures (except Fords SUV sales dept) runs tires low for the
best ride but, for the best and safest pressure for all around daily
drivers. Often time we overlook the fact that a higher pressure can
result in oversteer in a panic stop & turn situation. Higher pressure
can also decrease the wet stopping ability due to decreasing the tires
footprint. I do feel that for the roads I drive and the way I drive I
can safely go 2-4 psig higher and not upset things too much. MHO ed

 

[racerx000]

I think the recommemded PSI on the door jam is 28 PSI for the front and
27 PSI for the rear... I find that too low and I'm happy with 35 front
/ 34 rear PSI. I've been using 35/34 PSI since I bought my 05 X and
rotates every 6k miles. No unusual wear at 13k miles. I've heard that
if you use the recommended PSI, the outer edges wear out first. Check
out www.subaruforester.com forums.

 

[y_p_w]

I run 10% (~3 psig) over door recommendation. I do not think Subaru or
many manufactures (except Fords SUV sales dept) runs tires low for the
best ride but, for the best and safest pressure for all around daily
drivers. Often time we overlook the fact that a higher pressure can
result in oversteer in a panic stop & turn situation. Higher pressure
can also decrease the wet stopping ability due to decreasing the tires
footprint. I do feel that for the roads I drive and the way I drive I
can safely go 2-4 psig higher and not upset things too much. MHO ed

Higher pressure (to a reasonable point) reduces hydroplaning though.
Everything is a balancing act between wet/dry braking, steering
response, fuel economy, etc. The Tirerack has some interesting
pictures of the tire footprint of the same tire at 25, 30, and
35 PSI.

<http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=3>
<http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=16>

Also - a good tire pressure should be tire dependent. Some tires
just work better at higher pressure than you see in the door jamb.