Does Uneven Tire Pressure Have an Impact?
2 Answers
Having different tire pressures in all four tires can have certain effects. If you notice a significant difference in tire pressure, it is essential to take immediate measures to adjust the pressure accordingly. This is because a large deviation in tire pressure can cause uneven rolling resistance among the tires, especially if the pressures on both sides of the same axle differ. This may lead to the vehicle pulling to one side while driving, compromising safety. Precautions for inflating tires: Always use a pressure gauge to check the pressure to avoid overinflation, which could cause the tire to burst. After stopping the vehicle, wait for the tires to cool down before inflating, as driving increases tire temperature, affecting pressure readings. Inspect the valve stem. If the valve stem and core are not properly aligned, have protrusions, depressions, or other defects, inflating and measuring pressure will be difficult. Ensure cleanliness during inflation. The air being pumped in should not contain moisture or oil, as this can deteriorate the inner rubber tube. Do not exceed the standard pressure excessively and then release air, nor overinflate due to prolonged inability to inflate while traveling. Excessive pressure can overstretch the tire cords, weakening their strength and reducing tire lifespan. Before inflating, clean any dust off the valve stem and ensure the valve core is secure. After inflating, apply soapy water (or saliva) to the valve stem to check for leaks (bubbles will form if there’s a leak). Reattach the valve cap tightly to prevent dirt from entering the valve. When inflating radial tires, their structural design causes greater sinking and a larger contact area, often leading to misjudgment—either overinflation due to perceived underinflation or vice versa. Always use a standard pressure gauge for accurate measurement. The recommended pressure for radial tires is 0.5-1.5 kg/cm² higher than that of conventional tires. Regularly calibrate both the vehicle’s pressure gauge and those used in tire shops to ensure accurate readings.
I've been driving for over a decade, and uneven tire pressure really makes a difference. Once on a long trip, the left front tire was slightly underinflated, causing the car to constantly pull to the right. During a turn, it nearly went out of control, which scared me quite a bit. Later, I learned that uneven pressure affects handling stability—the car tends to drift toward the side with lower pressure, especially dangerous at high speeds. It also increases fuel consumption because the engine has to work harder to compensate for the imbalance, potentially raising fuel usage by about 10%. Over time, uneven wear occurs, with one side wearing out much faster than the other, leading to premature tire replacement and wasting hundreds of dollars. Now, I use a pressure gauge every two weeks to ensure all four tires maintain consistent pressure, following the recommended values on the door sticker—it’s both worry-free and safer. When parked, I visually check if the tires look properly inflated and inspect immediately if anything seems off. Developing this habit helps avoid unnecessary trouble.
