Can You Drive on the Highway with a Tire Pressure of 200?
2 Answers
Tire pressure of 200 is not suitable for highway driving. The standard tire pressure ranges from 2.4 to 2.5 bar; reinforced tires require 2.8 to 2.9 bar; the maximum pressure should not exceed 3.5 bar. Hazards of Low Tire Pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and prone to deviation, among other factors detrimental to driving safety; increases movement in various parts of the tire, resulting in abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage to the tire bead area and abnormal wear. Hazards of High Tire Pressure: Reduces tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; accelerates wear on the central tread pattern of the tire, shortening its lifespan; increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered situations with low tire pressure on highways. A tire pressure of 200 kPa is equivalent to 2.0 bar, which is significantly lower than the standard tire pressure for ordinary sedans (230-250 kPa). On highways, tires rotate over two thousand times per minute, and insufficient tire pressure causes the tire walls to repeatedly deform, generating high temperatures. Once, I experienced the tire shoulder becoming so hot it was uncomfortable to touch—a precursor to a blowout. Moreover, you'll noticeably feel the car body floating during turns, and the braking distance increases, making it very dangerous in emergencies. Last year, my neighbor drove on the highway with a tire pressure of 190 kPa, resulting in a blowout in the fast lane—fortunately, the car didn't roll over. It's advisable to always check all four tires with a tire pressure gauge before hitting the highway and inflate them to the standard value indicated on the door label.
