How to Convert Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
Tire pressure is generally measured in five units: kg/cm2, bar, Kpa, Psi, and atmospheric pressure. The conversion relationships between them are: 1kg/cm2=0.98bar=98.0665Kpa=14.2Psi, and 1 atmospheric pressure=1.03327kg/cm2. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; It accelerates localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening the tire's lifespan; Increased body vibration indirectly affects the lifespan of other components; Excessive tension on the tire cords can lead to reduced elasticity of the tire body, increasing the load on the vehicle while driving; Reduced puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, the tire is more easily punctured, and impacts can cause internal cracks and blowouts, leading to tire bursts. Hazards of insufficient tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Results in a heavy steering wheel and deviation, creating unsafe driving conditions; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; Doubles the friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may result in tire bursts; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracks and generating flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I find tire pressure conversion simple yet crucial. The most common units are bar and psi, where 1 bar is approximately equal to 14.5 psi or 100 kPa. When converting, I download a free app to input values for automatic calculation. For example, my SUV's recommended tire pressure is 2.3 bar or 33 psi, measured most accurately when the tires are cold, as they show higher pressure when warm. Don't forget to check before daily drives, especially for long trips; even a slight deviation in tire pressure is problematic—too low risks blowouts and increases fuel consumption, while too high causes bumpy and unsafe rides. I also recommend using a digital tire pressure gauge for easy display in multiple units. Weather and temperature have a significant impact; slightly lower pressure is better in summer, while normal pressure suffices in winter. Don’t be lazy—check monthly. The door label shows recommended values, making conversion hassle-free and cost-effective.
