Can You Continue Driving with Low Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
Low tire pressure in car tires can be divided into two scenarios. If the tire pressure is low due to a minor air leak, you can drive at low speeds for short distances, but not at high speeds or for long distances, as this increases the risk of a tire blowout. When tire pressure is insufficient, high-speed driving can easily cause tire wave deformation, which is highly likely to lead to a blowout. If the tire pressure is low due to a severe air leak, you should not continue driving. Instead, replace the tire with the spare and drive to a repair shop. Since tires support the entire weight of the vehicle, driving with insufficient tire pressure can lead to excessive tire wear, shortening the tire's lifespan, and may even cause wheel rim deformation. To avoid low tire pressure while driving, it is essential to regularly inspect your tires during daily use. If the tire pressure drops, check for air leaks, punctures from nails, or other damage. If a puncture is found, repair it promptly or replace the tire entirely. Additionally, if the tire sidewall is punctured, replace the tire immediately.
Driving with insufficient tire pressure is quite dangerous. I once experienced low tire pressure on the highway and nearly had an accident. You can clearly feel the steering wheel becoming heavier, the car responding sluggishly when turning, and the braking distance significantly increasing. Especially in hot summer weather, low tire pressure causes severe deformation of the tire sidewalls, generating excessive heat and greatly increasing the risk of a blowout. A blowout is no minor issue—it can lead to rollovers and injuries on the highway. Driving with consistently low tire pressure also leads to uneven tire wear, with the center wearing out faster, cutting the tire's lifespan in half. Even worse, fuel consumption rises—if pressure is 20% below the recommended level, fuel efficiency may drop by 5%. My advice is to stop at a safe location immediately upon detecting low pressure and use the onboard tools or visit a service station to inflate the tires. Don’t assume a few kilometers won’t matter—safety should always come first. It’s best to keep a tire pressure gauge handy and check monthly.
