Can I drive on the highway with a tire pressure of 200 kPa?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 200 kPa is not suitable for highway driving. The standard tire pressure range is 2.4-2.5 bar; reinforced tires require 2.8-2.9 bar; the maximum pressure should not exceed 3.5 bar. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface leads to higher fuel consumption; causes heavy steering and potential drifting, which are unfavorable for driving safety; increases movement in various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the tire bead area and abnormal wear. Hazards of high tire pressure: Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; causes steering wheel vibration and drifting, reducing driving comfort; accelerates localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening tire lifespan; increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components.
I got worried when I saw my tire pressure was at 200kPa while driving on the highway. I've had a similar experience before—once on the highway, the car felt unusually floaty, especially during turns, and fuel consumption noticeably increased. This is because the standard tire pressure is usually around 220 to 240kPa, and 200kPa is clearly too low. The increased tire contact area leads to more friction, causing the tires to heat up. Prolonged highway driving at low pressure may result in tire damage or even a blowout. Later, I checked the vehicle manual, and sure enough, it recommended 230kPa. After topping up the air, the situation improved significantly. My advice: don’t take the risk. Before hitting the highway, check your tire pressure gauge and use a pump to inflate to the recommended level. Safety first—don’t let small savings lead to big troubles.
