Can You Still Drive with Low Tire Pressure?
3 Answers
Tire pressure that is too low should not be driven on; instead, you should go to a professional repair shop to inflate and adjust the tire pressure. Here is the relevant information: 1. Hazards of low pressure: Although low tire pressure will not cause the tire to 'explode,' when the tire pressure is low, the contact area with the ground increases, and the heat generated by rolling is much greater than at standard pressure. This can deform the internal cord layers and accelerate fatigue, potentially leading to structural damage and, in severe cases, a blowout. 2. Importance of tire pressure: Every car's matched tires have corresponding tire pressure, which directly affects the tire's performance and response, and to some extent, impacts fuel consumption. Excessively high tire pressure not only increases the risk of a blowout but also causes the middle of the tire to contact the ground in a convex shape, significantly reducing the vehicle's overall grip and failing to provide sufficient friction during emergency braking.
From my years of driving experience, I've observed that driving long distances with underinflated tires is absolutely unacceptable due to significant safety hazards. Insufficient tire pressure leads to overheating and excessive deformation of tires, dramatically increasing the risk of blowouts at high speeds; it also results in sluggish handling and longer emergency braking distances, sharply raising the probability of accidents. Once, while driving with low tire pressure, I felt the steering wheel becoming unresponsive and nearly rear-ended another vehicle. A subsequent inspection revealed that the inner side of the tire had worn flat. Therefore, I always insist on pulling over immediately to check if I notice low tire pressure; if possible, inflate the tires, otherwise seek professional assistance. Safety comes first—don't cut corners for convenience. Develop a habit of regularly checking tire pressure, keeping it near the manufacturer's recommended value to ensure smooth and worry-free driving. Checking tire pressure weekly can prevent most unexpected incidents, saving on repair costs. Don't wait for an accident to regret it.
We elderly drivers have learned our lesson the hard way. In our younger days, we didn't pay attention to tire pressure, which resulted in a low-pressure blowout during a trip to the countryside. The tire was completely ruined, and our journey was delayed. Insufficient tire pressure doesn't just waste fuel—increased rolling resistance causes fuel consumption to skyrocket—but more importantly, it poses a safety hazard: steering becomes less responsive, and the car is prone to skidding in rainy weather. Since then, I've developed the habit of manually checking tire pressure before driving and always carrying a simple tire pressure gauge in the car for assistance. My advice is not to drive far if the tire pressure is insufficient—find a parking lot to stop instead. If possible, add air; if not, seek help. Maintaining standard tire pressure not only saves worry but also extends tire life, reducing unnecessary replacement costs. Don't forget that old experience is accumulated wisdom—address small issues promptly to prevent major problems.
