Can You Still Drive with a Tire Pressure of 170 kPa?
2 Answers
Tire pressure of 170 kPa is too low to continue driving. According to the international standard GBT2978-2008, the recommended tire pressure for standard tires is 240-250 kPa, while reinforced tires should be between 280-390 kPa. The maximum tire pressure should not exceed 350 kPa. A pressure of 170 kPa is considered dangerously low and should not be ignored. Hazards of Low Tire Pressure: Increased friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and increased risk of veering, compromising driving safety; Excessive movement of tire components, causing abnormal heat buildup due to over-compression; Degradation of cord and rubber functionality, leading to delamination, cord breakage, or excessive friction with the rim, resulting in bead damage and abnormal wear; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing rapid temperature rise, softening of the tire, and a sharp drop in strength. This can lead to tire blowouts, especially at high speeds; Increased tire deformation, leading to sidewall cracks, flexing movements, overheating, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and accelerated shoulder wear. Solutions for Low Tire Pressure: If no visible damage is detected, simply inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and reset the tire pressure monitoring system; If a puncture is found, drive to a tire repair shop immediately for patching and reinflation; If the low-pressure warning reappears after inflation without any punctures, it may indicate a leak due to rim deformation. In this case, inspect and replace the rim if necessary.
A tire pressure of 170 kPa is indeed too low. The standard tire pressure is generally between 220 to 250 kPa, equivalent to 30 to 35 psi. Driving under such conditions poses significant risks: severe tire deformation, reduced grip, a floating sensation when turning, and longer braking distances. At high speeds, the tires can overheat, increasing the risk of a blowout. I once saw a friend drive a short distance with such low pressure—the car shook violently and nearly hit the curb, fortunately without major consequences. Fuel consumption also increases, roughly by about half a liter per 100 kilometers. It's advisable to immediately find a gas station to refill the tires or use a portable pump to temporarily inflate them to the standard value. Don’t continue driving just to save time. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure monthly and keep a tire pressure gauge in the car to avoid similar issues.
