Can I still drive with a tire pressure of 188?
3 Answers
A tire pressure of 188 kPa is not safe for continued driving. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressure for standard tires is 240-250 kPa, while reinforced tires should be inflated to 280-390 kPa. The maximum tire pressure should not exceed 350 kPa. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and increased tendency for the vehicle to drift, compromising driving safety; Excessive movement of tire components, causing abnormal heat buildup due to over-compression; Reduced functionality of the tire's cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the tire bead and abnormal wear; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a sharp decrease in strength. High-speed driving under these conditions may result in a blowout; Increased deformation of the tire body, leading to cracks on the sidewalls, accompanied by flexing movements that generate excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, speeding up wear on the tire shoulders. Solutions for insufficient tire pressure: If no visible damage is detected, simply inflate the tire to the normal pressure and reset the tire pressure monitoring system; If a puncture is found during inspection, drive to a tire repair shop promptly for a patch, then reinflate the tire; If the tire pressure warning reappears after inflation without any punctures, it may be due to air leakage caused by a deformed rim. It is recommended to inspect and replace the rim if necessary.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that a tire pressure of 188 kPa is definitely too low. The normal tire pressure should be around 200 to 240 kPa. Continuing to drive like this poses significant risks—the tires will deform severely and overheat, increasing the chance of a blowout at any moment. This is especially dangerous at high speeds, as it can cause the vehicle to lose control and lead to accidents. I've seen many friends get into serious trouble because of this, and it's truly terrifying. My advice is to pull over immediately and check the tires for nails or leaks. If there's a gas station or repair shop nearby, you can drive there slowly at a speed no higher than 40 km/h, but avoid highways at all costs. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure weekly or keep a portable inflator in your car—safety should always come first. Low tire pressure also affects braking performance, increasing stopping distances and the risk of rear-end collisions. Don't take the risk of driving further for the sake of your safety.
As a long-term automotive researcher, a tire pressure of 188 kPa requires immediate attention. The standard value typically ranges around 220 kPa. Insufficient pressure increases the tire's contact area with the road, amplifying friction and wear, and can raise fuel consumption by over 10%. Excessive stress on the tire sidewalls heightens the risk of overheating and blowouts. After checking for leaks, if no major issues are found, you may cautiously drive short distances to reach an inflation station, keeping speeds under 60 km/h and avoiding bumpy roads. It's advisable to use an onboard tire pressure monitoring system for real-time checks and maintain regular inflation to extend tire lifespan. Driving with low pressure also damages suspension components, increasing repair costs. While slow driving is acceptable in emergencies, prolonged neglect is not recommended.
