Can I Drive to Get a Tire Repair with 130 kPa Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
Tire pressure at 130 kPa is acceptable for driving to get a repair. When the dashboard shows tire pressure not lower than 130 kPa, you can drive slowly to the nearest service point for inflation or repair. However, if the tire pressure is below 130 kPa, driving is not recommended, and you should switch to a spare tire. Hazards of Low Tire Pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and increased risk of veering, compromising driving safety; Excessive movement of tire components, causing abnormal heat due to over-compression; Reduced functionality of cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, and damage to the bead area, resulting in abnormal wear; Multiplied friction between the tire and the ground, rapid temperature rise, softening of the tire, and a sharp drop in strength. High-speed driving may cause a blowout; Increased tire body deformation, prone to sidewall cracks, and flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, accelerated rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, as well as increased tire contact area, accelerating shoulder wear. Solutions for Insufficient Tire Pressure: If no visible damage is found, simply inflate to normal pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If a puncture is detected during inspection, drive promptly to a tire shop for repair and reinflation; If the low-pressure warning reappears after inflation without a puncture, it may be due to air leakage from a deformed rim. It is recommended to inspect and replace the rim.
I have to tell you, driving with tire pressure at 130 kPa to get it fixed is absolutely not acceptable. That's already a severe air leak, as the normal value is around 230 kPa. At 130 kPa, the pressure is way too low—the tire will flatten and deform, the rim may scrape the ground, and the tire will heat up quickly while driving, increasing the risk of a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. I've seen many similar accidents on the road, ranging from just a ruined tire to losing control and crashing. Remember: safety is more important than saving money. Stop immediately, find a safe spot, and call for a tow truck or slowly move to a nearby repair shop at a speed no faster than 10 km/h. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure monthly and keep a portable air pump in your car for emergencies. Don't gamble with safety—protect yourself and others.
