Can You Still Drive with Unstable Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
You can still drive with unstable tire pressure, but only if the air leakage is not rapid. It is advisable to drive a short distance and promptly check for issues such as punctures caused by nails. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire. There is a label indicating the standard tire pressure on the inner side of the driver's door, which represents the pressure when the tire is cold—i.e., after the car has been parked for at least three hours or driven no more than 1.6 km. Unstable tire pressure poses safety hazards: 1. Increases the risk of a tire blowout; 2. Over-inflated tires reduce the contact area between the tire and the road, decreasing friction and extending braking distance; 3. Under-inflated tires increase the contact area with the road, raising friction and resistance, which also leads to higher fuel consumption; 4. Over-inflation causes excessive wear in the center of the tire tread, while under-inflation causes excessive wear on both sides of the tread, both of which can lead to premature tire failure.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered unstable tire pressure several times. It's possible to drive a short distance to a repair shop or gas station to refill the air, but you must be extremely careful. Unstable tire pressure can cause the car to veer from side to side and reduce braking effectiveness, which is especially dangerous in rainy weather or on highways. I remember one night when I almost hit a guardrail—it was terrifying. Driving long distances with unstable tire pressure can damage the suspension or cause uneven tire wear, eventually leading to the costly need for new tires. Safety first—I recommend slowing down immediately, finding the nearest place to check and refill the tire pressure, and it's best to keep a tire pressure gauge in the car.