At what tire pressure level should a car not be driven?
3 Answers
A car should not be driven when the tire pressure is below 1.0 bar, and the vehicle will issue a warning if the tire pressure falls below 1.5 bar. Hazards of excessively high or low tire pressure: 1. Shortened tire lifespan; 2. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface; 3. Creates unsafe driving conditions by making the vehicle prone to drifting; 4. Increased movement in various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heat generation due to excessive rolling; 5. Multiplied friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a rapid decrease in strength; 6. Risk of tire blowout; 7. Accelerated rubber aging, broken cords, and faster wear on the tire shoulders.
I once experienced driving with tire pressure that was too low, which almost caused an accident. Generally speaking, tire pressure should not fall below 75% of the recommended value. For example, if the standard tire pressure for a car is 30 psi, you shouldn’t drive if it drops below 22 or 23 psi. Driving with such low pressure makes the tires feel soft and increases the risk of a blowout or loss of control. This is especially dangerous on highways, where the steering wheel can wobble significantly. I once stubbornly drove with tire pressure as low as 20 psi, which resulted in severe sidewall wear. Not only did I have to spend money on new tires, but it also wasted a lot of time. That’s why I now regularly check my tire pressure using a gauge or use the self-service equipment at gas stations. Temperature also has a big impact—tire pressure tends to rise in the summer heat and drop quickly in the winter cold, so it’s best to check it monthly. Remember, safety comes first—don’t drive if the pressure is below the minimum value.
From my experience, you should never drive when the tire pressure drops to a certain level. The standard tire pressure for most cars is usually indicated on the sticker on the door frame, typically around 30 to 35 psi. If it falls below 25 psi, you need to be cautious and avoid driving further. Driving with low tire pressure can cause the tires to overheat and potentially blow out, making the vehicle harder to control, causing it to sway, and increasing braking distance. I have a friend who once drove a long distance with tire pressure as low as 18 psi, and the tire ended up completely flat, leaving him stranded on the roadside needing assistance. To check tire pressure, you can feel the sidewall of the tire to see if it’s too soft, or just buy a simple tire pressure gauge—don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Also, make sure your spare tire is kept at 40 psi or above; otherwise, it won’t be usable when you really need it. Even for short daily commutes, it’s important to stay vigilant.
