Can You Drive to the Repair Shop with a Tire Pressure of 170?
2 Answers
Tire pressure of 170kpa should not be driven on. According to the regulations and requirements of the international standard GBT2978-2008, the standard tire pressure for general tires is 240-250kpa; for reinforced tires, it is 280-390kpa; the maximum pressure should not exceed 350kpa. 170kpa is a relatively low pressure and is not safe for continued driving. 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 may lead to drifting, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; The friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may result in a tire blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracking, and generates flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Methods to address insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate the tire to the normal pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If inspection reveals a puncture, promptly drive to a tire shop for repair and then reinflate; If the tire pressure warning appears again after inflation but there is no puncture, it may be due to air leakage caused by a deformed rim. It is recommended to check the rim and replace it if necessary.
I once encountered a tire pressure of 170 kPa while driving, which is approximately 17 psi, significantly lower than the normal range of 30-35 psi, posing considerable risks. Driving slowly for a short distance might be feasible, such as within a few kilometers, keeping the speed below 50 km/h on smooth roads without potholes, but never attempt highway or long-distance driving as it can easily cause tire sidewall deformation, overheating, or even a blowout. I would recommend pulling over immediately to check the tires. If you don’t have a portable inflator in the car, call roadside assistance. Safety should always come first, as low tire pressure affects braking distance and handling, potentially leading to accidents in severe cases. Personally, I check tire pressure regularly, such as monthly or before long trips using a pressure gauge, to prevent such hazards.
