How long can you drive after the tire pressure warning light comes on?
3 Answers
You should stop driving as soon as possible after the tire pressure warning light comes on. If the tire pressure light illuminates while driving, it is recommended to reduce speed, maintain control of the steering wheel, and find a safe place to inspect the tires. Whether the tire pressure light turns off or not afterward, you should still visit a nearby repair shop for a follow-up check as a precaution. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire. If the tire pressure is too low, the contact area between the tire and the ground increases, leading to excessive friction that causes abnormal temperature rise inside the tire. At the same time, the sidewalls of the tire slowly deform. Prolonged driving under these conditions can easily lead to tire blowouts and other accidents. Additionally, driving with low tire pressure increases fuel consumption.
As a driver who frequently travels long distances, I never take tire pressure warnings lightly. Insufficient tire pressure can cause the tires to overheat, deform, and even lead to a blowout, which is especially dangerous at high speeds. When the warning light comes on, I recommend immediately slowing down to a safe speed, such as 40 km/h, and finding a place to stop and check, rather than pushing through. How long you can continue driving depends on the tire pressure value, road conditions, and temperature. If it's just slightly low, say 10% below the normal value, you might be able to drive slowly for a few kilometers to a repair shop. But if the pressure is too low or there's obvious leakage, don't risk driving—stop within a minute and change to the spare tire or call for assistance. I remind myself to always carry a tire pressure gauge in the car for on-the-spot checks. Normal tire pressure is generally around 32-35 psi. When the warning light comes on, act quickly to ensure safety and save on tire costs.
I usually enjoy troubleshooting minor vehicle issues. A tire pressure warning is mostly caused by pressure dropping more than 20% or air leakage. Driving for too long increases friction heat accumulation, damaging the tire's internal structure, and in severe cases, it can lead to a blowout within minutes. So when the warning appears, I prioritize pulling over for a safety check. Using a mobile app or onboard tool to quickly measure the tire pressure, if it's still over 30% higher, I might drive slowly for 5-10 km but absolutely avoid high speeds. The risk is even greater in hot weather or when carrying heavy loads. Technically speaking, the sidewall bending and deformation of the tire make it more prone to wear, and long-term driving also increases fuel consumption. I always keep an emergency pump handy just in case and maintain smooth driving until the issue is fixed.
