Can You Continue Driving with Low Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
Whether you can continue driving with low tire pressure depends on the specific pressure value. If it is below 2.0 bar, it is recommended not to continue driving and to replace the spare tire or wait for assistance as soon as possible. Below are the standard tire pressure guidelines and precautions: Methods to check the standard tire pressure for your vehicle: You can refer to the vehicle's user manual or the label near the door (around the B-pillar or C-pillar), where you can find the manufacturer's recommended value (cold tire pressure). Generally, tire pressure varies depending on the vehicle model and whether it is for passenger cars or larger vehicles. Precautions regarding tire pressure: Tire pressure changes with temperature. If the local temperature is high or during summer, it is advisable to reduce the tire pressure by 0.1 to 0.2 bar. Conversely, if the local temperature is very low, such as in winter, you should increase the tire pressure by 0.1 to 0.2 bar.
If you notice that your car's tire pressure is low, I generally recommend stopping immediately and not driving. Low tire pressure increases tire deformation, friction, and temperature, making it very easy to have a blowout, especially on highways, which is particularly dangerous. I've seen an accident where insufficient tire pressure caused a loss of control, resulting in a collision with a guardrail. Moreover, fuel consumption will also increase, costing you money and compromising safety. It's best to pull over right away and check with a tire pressure gauge—the standard tire pressure value is listed on the label on the door frame. If it's 20% below the recommended value, call for roadside assistance or slowly drive to the nearest air pump. Make it a habit to check tire pressure weekly when the car is cold to avoid such trouble. If ignored long-term, tires will wear unevenly, shortening their lifespan by one or two years, and replacing them will cost a fortune. Remember, safety comes first—don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.