MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tyre Pressures

Can anyone tell me what the tyre pressures should be for a 75 1500 running 165/70 13's on rostyle wheels.
Its probably in the book somewhere, but i dont know where.
S Langston

yeah it's in the owners Handbook - normal loads 22 psi front, 24 psi rear

and my car idles at over 1000 rpm on dial but when it gets fully warmed up it hunts a little just below an indicated 1000 rpm
Nigel Atkins

I use 26 front and 28 rear on my 1500. I see it as a reasonable compromise of comfort and handling.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

26, 28 wouldn't be so comfortable on UK roads

also over here pressures need to be checked on a realiable accurate gauge as the ones at the petrol stations certain are not

the Handbook recommends 'for sustained speeds at near the maximum ... increase by 4 lb/sq. in.' (so to 26, 28, normal load)

people expierment with pressures and it's all about driving style, use, tastes, make and model of tyres, ect.,

I've tried with my 1275 car 24, 26 but went back to 22, 24 not having noticed much difference to me and my driving style

however if I forget to deceased the rear after increasing by 2 psi for fully loaded (motorway) journys (not doing 'sustained speeds at near the maximum' though) then when all the luggage is removed and we're touring back roads (to me) the back is very noticable until I let the extra air out

n.b. I carry a footpump and reliable guage instead of spare wheel (have done for 20 years with no problems except it does mean more space in the boot for more SWMBO "necessary" luggage)
Nigel Atkins

Nigel. I've just put new tyres on my car. They are 175/70x13 on 5.1/2 inch wires. I'm currently running 22psi front and 24 psi rear. Do you think that they would be the optimum general road use pressures? The car drives and handles well, I just wondered if it could be improved by playing with the pressures. BTW. I have a very accurate pressure gauge.

Bernie.
b higginson

Bernie,
I use the same sized tyres, generally at 24 F and 26R (28R when fully laden) Probably a bit on the high side but it suits me.

I know that Nigel does like to rely on the Handbook and Workshop Manual, but I am always a bit unsure of the pressures quoted there as surely these were printed when cross-ply tyres, not radials, were commonly in use.
Guy

24F 26R, this gave the most even temperature spread across the tyre width when measured with an infa red thermometer.
Brad 1380

Guy. Thanks for that. My Haynes manual quotes for radials, but only for standard sizes, so I just wondered if the pressures might need to be a bit higher for the larger tyre. I'll give those pressures you recommend a try and see what it's like. I must admit, mine do look a bit under-inflated at 22 and 24.
BTW. I'm really glad I bought these 175/70 tyres as they've cured the graunching I had. I though I was going to have to take the wings off and do what you have done with the front inner arches, but now it's all OK.

Bernie.
b higginson

Yes I like 24F/26R on my car too

Comfortable enough and the best grip in most circumstances

Mind you it wasnt too happy at 26R with at Ford gearbox in the boot, purrups I should have given it a couple more for luck

:-)
Bill 1

My 1500 likes 24F / 28R, anything over 24 on the front & the ride gets a little rough & the steering a little darty.
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Bernie,
I'm no expert, in anything, as I said I think >>people expierment with pressures and it's all about driving style, use, tastes, make and model of tyres, ect.,<<

I've personally found 22, 24 to my liking with different tyres, tyre sizes, makes and types of suspension and bushes all on my present midget

Previous cars which also had 22, 24 (previous Spridget and the two TVRs, I think) I liked and kept at 22, 24

Oh, and Berenie the owners Handbook gives more information to owners than the Haynes - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html

Guy's right I do rely on the owners Handbook but not slavishly - but he's wrong about the MG Workshop Manual as I wouldn't know what to do with one and other books and possibly manuals such as Haynes have printing errors
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2011 and 04/04/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.