Can You Continue Driving with Overinflated Tires?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving with overinflated tires. When tire pressure is too high, although rolling resistance is significantly reduced and vehicle fuel consumption noticeably decreases, the contact area between the tire and the ground diminishes, resulting in poorer tire grip. Hazards of overinflated tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Excessive stretching deformation of tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks and blowouts due to impact, leading to tire bursts.
When the tire pressure is too high, I strongly advise against continuing to drive. The risks are significant, such as an increased likelihood of a tire blowout, especially during summer or when driving at high speeds, as high temperatures can cause a sharp rise in internal tire pressure, raising the chance of sudden rupture. Excessive tire pressure also reduces the tire's contact area with the road, lengthening braking distances and making the car more prone to skidding during turns in rainy conditions, severely compromising handling. I recommend immediately finding a safe place to pull over and check the tire pressure using a simple tire gauge. The standard values are usually listed on the door frame. If it's slightly high, it's manageable, but if it's significantly overinflated, you can manually release some air—just don't release too much to avoid ending up with too low pressure. Safety is more important than anything else; don't risk driving further to avoid potential accidents and regrets. Additionally, regularly checking tire pressure can prevent problems before they occur, and making it a habit can save you on repair costs.
