Can You Keep Driving with Low Tire Pressure?
4 Answers
Tire pressure is visibly low, you must not continue driving to avoid safety hazards and wheel rim damage. Tire Pressure Introduction: Tire pressure, strictly speaking, refers to the air pressure inside the tire. In car maintenance, the engine is the heart of the car, and engine damage will lead to the end of the car's life. Then, tire pressure is the blood pressure of the car. The level of tire pressure plays a vital role in the performance and power of the car. Relationship Between Tire Pressure and Load Capacity: Tire pressure is an indicator of a car's load capacity. The size of the car's load depends on the level of tire pressure. According to the relationship between the tire's load index, tire pressure, and load capacity, the higher the tire pressure, the greater the load capacity; the lower the pressure, the smaller the load capacity. For example, for a tire with a load index of 80, when the pressure is 0.15 MPa, the load capacity is 300 kg, and when the pressure is 0.25 MPa, the load capacity becomes 450 kg.
As someone who frequently drives on highways, I deeply understand the risks of low tire pressure. When tire pressure is insufficient, tires are prone to overheating and deformation, significantly increasing the risk of a blowout. This is especially true during hot summers or on bumpy roads, as the vehicle becomes harder to control and braking distances noticeably lengthen. A slight oversight could lead to an accident. It's advisable to stop and check as soon as you notice low tire pressure. Use a portable tire pressure gauge to measure it—normal tire pressure is typically between 30-35 psi. If it's below this range, don't push your luck; slowly drive to a safe location to inflate the tires or call for assistance. Remember, safety is no small matter. Blowout accidents often occur during high-speed driving, so never take this risk just to save time.
Last time I drove to the supermarket, I didn't check before getting in the car. Halfway through, I felt the car wobbling. When I stopped and checked, the tire pressure was only 25 psi, while the normal level should be around 35. Not wanting to delay my shopping, I gritted my teeth and drove slowly to the parking lot, but the tires ended up severely worn. Later, I had to spend even more money on new tires. Since then, I've made it a habit to press the tires as soon as I get in the car. If they feel soft or the car is unusually bumpy, I'll pull over to check first. Keeping a cheap tire pressure gauge in the car is very helpful—it can save a lot of trouble and expenses.
As someone who enjoys DIY car maintenance, I always check tire pressure regularly, which can be easily done with a simple tire pressure gauge. Driving short distances, like to a gas station within 100 meters, is still possible with low tire pressure, but keep the speed below 20km/h and avoid sharp turns or sudden braking. If the tire pressure is more than 10psi below the recommended value, you should definitely stop and address the issue to prevent rim damage. I recommend checking tire pressure weekly to ensure it stays within the 30-35psi range, which helps extend tire life and prevent accidents.
