Should I keep my Mercedes-Benz C-Class' tyre pressures high to improve fuel economy?

I have an 88,000 mile 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel automatic estate, a lovely car. I normally follow the fuel filler flap advice and keep to 32F/33R tyre pressures for my lightly loaded lifestyle, which mainly involves a 12 mile trip to Croydon over country roads at an average of 35-40mph. This gives me 32mpg, which is worse than the 38mpg ‘Combined’ figure. We also tow a boat and last week took it to the Isle of Wight before which I followed the advice on the flap and pumped up to 36F/45R. After arrival and decoupling of the trailer, I noticed an immediate improvement on rural roads to between 38 - 45 mpg, which was better than the returns I get here on similar roads. We are always encouraged to keep pressures right for fuel economy. Is it wise to keep to these substantially higher pressures if not towing?

Asked on 7 September 2013 by RW, Reigate,

Answered by Honest John
The higher pressures will reduce rolling resistance and improve economy but will also increase the likelihood of a skid, especially in wet conditions.
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