Does uneven tire pressure affect the car?
2 Answers
Uneven tire pressure can lead to reduced braking effectiveness, loss of vehicle control, increased fuel consumption, difficulty or heaviness in steering, and can shorten the lifespan of the tires. It also increases the risk of tire blowouts. These issues become more severe when the vehicle is heavily loaded, so it is essential to ensure that all tires have consistent pressure before driving. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures are as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9bar; Maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5bar. In winter, tire pressure should be slightly increased by about 0.2bar above the standard tire pressure. Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure is sufficient. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can be about 0.1bar lower than the standard to prevent blowouts due to high temperatures.
Inconsistent tire pressure definitely has a major impact on the car. I believe safety should always come first. Think about it - if one tire has low pressure while another is overinflated, the car will pull to one side and feel unstable when steering, making it prone to losing control. The braking distance also increases, especially during emergency stops or on wet roads, significantly raising the risk of accidents. I often hear stories of friends experiencing high-speed blowouts due to uneven tire pressure, which is extremely dangerous. During routine checks, I've noticed that even a 10 psi difference can cause problems, so I strongly recommend using a tire pressure gauge weekly to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended values. If you notice any imbalance, get it addressed at a professional shop immediately. Safety first is more important than anything else—never take it lightly.