Can a car still be driven with abnormal tire pressure?
4 Answers
It is possible to continue driving with abnormal tire pressure, but it is not advisable to drive at high speeds. Abnormal tire pressure can cause the car to veer uncontrollably, increasing the risk of collision with vehicles behind. The standard tire pressure usually ranges from 200 to 300 MPa. Abnormal tire pressure typically refers to underinflation, overinflation, or a punctured tire. Tire pressure significantly affects a car's performance and power. The hazards of abnormal tire pressure include: 1. Underinflation increases driving resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and premature wear on the tire sidewall, which is the thinnest part of the tire; 2. Abnormal tire pressure results in increased fuel consumption; 3. Both overinflation and underinflation can easily cause tire blowouts.
That time when I was driving long-distance, my car's tire pressure suddenly triggered an alarm, which scared me into slowing down and pulling over immediately. Low tire pressure can cause excessive tire wear and overheating, increasing the risk of a blowout, especially dangerous on highways. Even a slight abnormality can affect handling stability and fuel efficiency, making the steering feel loose and increasing braking distance. I suggest that once the warning light comes on or you feel something is off, pull over to check immediately—don't push through, safety comes first. Find a safe spot to stop, use a mobile app to locate the nearest repair shop, or call roadside assistance. As a temporary measure, you can drive slowly (below 30 km/h) to a service station, but only if there's one nearby. Remember, regular tire pressure checks are key to prevention, especially during seasonal changes or before long trips.
The tire pressure monitoring system in my car is very sensitive and alerts me whenever there's an abnormality. If the tire pressure is too high, the tires become too hard and may burst; if it's too low, the rolling resistance increases, wasting fuel and damaging the suspension system. Continuing to drive with abnormal tire pressure can cause uneven tire wear, shorten the tire's lifespan, and increase the risk of accidents due to pulling to one side. I usually check the tire pressure first: if it's low, I drive slowly to a place to add air; if it's high, I release some air but not completely. A deviation of more than 20% is high risk, and it's best to stop and seek help immediately. Pay attention to changes in tire noise while driving daily, combined with regular manual checks—buying a tire pressure gauge for just a few tens of dollars can solve the problem. Prevention is better than cure; developing good habits can avoid trouble.
Never risk driving with abnormal tire pressure. Once, I didn't notice my tire pressure was low while driving, and almost lost control on a curve—it still gives me chills thinking about it. It's advised to pull over to a safe spot immediately and check if the tire is visibly flat or bulging. Emergency solutions include inflating the tire or using a spare, but remember spare tires have speed limits and aren't for long-term use. Many cars now come with tire pressure monitoring systems; don't ignore the warnings. High pressure worsens bumps and affects comfort, while low pressure increases fuel consumption and raises the risk of a blowout. Pro tip: Keep an air pump in your car and make it a habit to check tire pressure before trips to stay prepared.
