Can You Still Drive with Abnormal Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
Tire pressure is a critical factor affecting tire lifespan and fuel economy. If tire pressure is abnormal, it is advisable to avoid driving, especially for tires filled with gases other than air, as they often have stringent pressure requirements. Improper tire pressure can lead to power loss cycles, accelerating tire wear and shortening service life. Tires can be structurally classified into radial tires and bias-ply tires; by tread pattern into rib tread, transverse tread, mixed tread, and off-road tread tires; and by vehicle type into P (passenger car) tires, light truck tires, truck/bus tires, agricultural vehicle tires, construction vehicle tires, industrial vehicle tires, aircraft tires, and motorcycle tires.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I can't stress enough how important it is to never ignore abnormal tire pressure. When tire pressure is too high, the tires become stiff and are prone to blowouts on bumpy roads. On the other hand, low tire pressure causes severe deformation of the tires, significantly increasing friction and fuel consumption, and may even lead to side-slip loss of control. Once, I ignored a low-pressure warning in a hurry, and on the highway, the car shook violently, nearly causing a loss of control. Remember, as soon as the warning light comes on, slow down and drive to a safe place to check. Carrying a simple tire pressure gauge is very convenient, and an air pump is also practical. Safety comes first; otherwise, repair costs can be much higher than prevention. Regular checks are key.