2010 GL350 275/50R20 tire pressures

Subscribe
May 26, 2011 | 12:57 PM
  #1  
I used to get 26/27 mpg for my 15 miles morning commute with front tire cold pressures of 38/39, rear tires were also 38/39. The problem was I felt front tires out of balanced a little, slight jumping up and down. Then I checked the recommended pressures posted on the driver door side of 32 front and 38 rear cold pressures. So I lowered the front tire pressures to 32/32. Guess what, now I am getting 24 mpg and front tires felt smooth. The acceleration felt heavier. My pressure gauge was pretty accurate compare to the air pressure pump at gas station.

I know the recommended tire pressures were the same for my previous 2007 GL450 with an 18 inch wheel. I think these labels were generic didn't take into consideration of the type of tires and engine. So, what is the best tire pressures for my 275/50R20 all-season run-flat tires on GL350?
Reply 0
May 26, 2011 | 02:10 PM
  #2  
Quote: I used to get 26/27 mpg for my 15 miles morning commute with front tire cold pressures of 38/39, rear tires were also 38/39. The problem was I felt front tires out of balanced a little, slight jumping up and down. Then I checked the recommended pressures posted on the driver door side of 32 front and 38 rear cold pressures. So I lowered the front tire pressures to 32/32. Guess what, now I am getting 24 mpg and front tires felt smooth. The acceleration felt heavier. My pressure gauge was pretty accurate compare to the air pressure pump at gas station.

I know the recommended tire pressures were the same for my previous 2007 GL450 with an 18 inch wheel. I think these labels were generic didn't take into consideration of the type of tires and engine. So, what is the best tire pressures for my 275/50R20 all-season run-flat tires on GL350?
I don't think there is an optimal tire pressure. It's always a tradeoff.

Lower tire pressure: smoother ride, better traction, but sluggish from a stop and reduced mpgs.

Higher tire pressure: harsher ride, less traction, feels more nimble from a stop, higher mpgs, helps better protect rim from potholes.
Reply 0
May 26, 2011 | 11:21 PM
  #3  
Wow. I may be too aggressive on the pressure: 38F/42R cold. It's no wonder I am getting 28 mpg on the freeway.
Reply 0
Feb 8, 2012 | 09:32 AM
  #4  
Quote: I don't think there is an optimal tire pressure. It's always a tradeoff.

Lower tire pressure: smoother ride, better traction, but sluggish from a stop and reduced mpgs.

Higher tire pressure: harsher ride, less traction, feels more nimble from a stop, higher mpgs, helps better protect rim from potholes.
What wears down the tires more. More or less tire pressure?
Reply 0
Feb 8, 2012 | 09:55 AM
  #5  
Quote: What wears down the tires more. More or less tire pressure?
If running low tire pressure, the edges of the tire contact patch will go bold first. If running high pressure the middle of the tire contact patch wears down first. Hard to tell which of the two wears down the tire faster without actual values of air pressure. Are we talking a couple psi here or 10+.
Reply 0
Feb 8, 2012 | 09:57 AM
  #6  
I would think low tire pressure wears down tires faster because there is more pressure from the two tire walls so two pressure points vs one in the middle
Reply 0
Jan 5, 2016 | 01:31 PM
  #7  
Any updates on recommended tire pressure for 2015 GL350 w/ 275/50R20 tires? I also noticed a major difference in the driver side door pressure guidance (39/47) versus the fuel door sticker (32/32). Right now I'm at 35/42 and I'm playing the middle range. Any recommendations as to what works best?
Reply 0
Jan 5, 2016 | 09:29 PM
  #8  
aggst1 has it right for the most part, higher pressure typically causes the center to wear faster and lower pressure the edges. But there's more to it than that. Optimum tire pressure is a result of weight and contact patch. You need the right pressure to create the proper contact patch and support the vehicle. Additionally, manufacturers like to run lower front pressures to create a bit of understeer to keep the handling safe, which is certainly less of a concern on big, heavy, SUV. There shouldn't be any issues running square pressures of 38/38 and certainly if you are towing a trailer I recommend pumping them up a bit more in the rear. Watch the tire pressures on the computer to ensure they don't creep over the maximum pressure on the sidewall of the tire itself and you'll be fine. I don't recommend pushing them too much higher than 40 cold, however as you'll stiffen the sidewalls and start to see poor handling over bumpy pavement, especially with run flats.
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE