Can You Drive with Tire Pressure Below 200?
2 Answers
Tire pressure below 200 kPa should not be driven on. 200 kPa is equivalent to 2.0 bar. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. 2.0 bar is below the minimum standard tire pressure, so it is abnormal. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and easy deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heating of the tire; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a sharp drop in strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracks, and generates flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, cord fatigue, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
I've personally experienced driving with tire pressure below 200 kPa. That time I was in a hurry and didn't check, only to find the steering unstable and fuel consumption skyrocketing after just a few kilometers. Based on my years of experience, most sedans have a standard tire pressure between 220 to 250 kPa - anything below 200 is significantly low. This increases the tire contact patch, raising the risk of blowouts, especially at high speeds or on bumpy roads where danger spikes. It also accelerates tire wear, shortening lifespan. My advice is to pull over immediately to check, then find a service station or use your home air pump to inflate to normal levels. Make it a habit to check weekly with a simple tire pressure gauge to avoid forgetting. Safety first - don't risk saving a few minutes. Remember, regular maintenance prevents 90% of such issues, saving both money and peace of mind.
