Can You Drive with Tire Pressure at 1.8?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 1.8 is considered low and driving is not recommended. Low tire pressure can shorten braking distance, and while it may improve grip during turns, it also has drawbacks. Low pressure increases fuel consumption, makes steering heavier, and can cause a sensation of insufficient power. Note that the sidewalls of tires are generally fragile. Driving with low pressure causes the sidewalls to continuously compress and rebound, leading to fatigue. Under these conditions, tire temperature rises relatively quickly. When tire temperature exceeds 80 degrees Celsius, the risk of a blowout significantly increases. The normal tire pressure range is between 2.3 and 2.5. The load capacity of a vehicle depends on tire pressure. Due to differences in vehicle size and weight, recommended tire pressures vary. Adjustments should be made based on the manufacturer's recommended standard tire pressure values. Hazards of overinflated tires: Reduced friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance, causing steering wheel vibration and deviation, decreased ride comfort, accelerated wear on the central tread pattern, increased risk of bulging and stone trapping, excessive stretching of tire cords leading to reduced elasticity, heightened impact during driving, increased noise, and greater susceptibility to punctures from sharp objects like nails or glass, which can cause internal cracks and blowouts. Hazards of underinflated tires: Increased friction with the road surface, higher fuel consumption, multiplied friction between tire and ground, rapid temperature rise, softening of the tire, sharp decline in strength, potential blowouts at high speeds, increased tire deformation, higher likelihood of sidewall cracks, excessive flexing leading to overheating, accelerated rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, broken cords, increased tire contact area, accelerated shoulder wear, heavier steering, tendency to deviate, poorer handling, and increased tire noise.
It's best not to drive when the tire pressure is only 1.8 bar. I think it's too dangerous because low pressure can cause excessive tire deformation, increasing the risk of a blowout, especially at high speeds. I remember last time when I drove on the highway with 2.0 bar pressure, the car felt very shaky, let alone at 1.8 bar. Handling also worsens—the car feels floaty during turns, and braking distance increases, raising the risk of accidents. Fuel consumption will spike dramatically; a full tank that could cover 500 km might now only get you 400 km, which is totally not cost-effective. If you really must drive, keep it to low-speed, short-distance moves, like from a parking lot to a nearby air pump, and don’t exceed a few kilometers with speed under 30 km/h. Also, check for punctures or leaks and address them promptly for safety. Make it a habit to check tire pressure weekly with a gauge—it saves a lot of hassle. Many drivers often overlook this detail.