How to Deal with Low Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
If the tire pressure is too low to drive, you can use an onboard air pump to inflate the tires or replace them with a spare tire, then proceed to the nearest repair shop for inspection. Hazards of Low Tire Pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and potential deviation, posing risks to driving safety; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heating due to excessive compression; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, sharply raising tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracks, generating flexing movements that cause excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue in the cord fabric layer, and cord breakage. It also enlarges the tire's contact area with the ground, speeding up shoulder wear.
Last time while driving, I noticed the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard and immediately pulled over to check the tires. After inspecting all around, I didn't find any obvious nails or damage, probably caused by temperature changes or slow air leakage. I took out the car air pump and inflated to the recommended value of about 35 psi. After inflation, the car felt more stable, but I was still uneasy, so I drove straight to the repair shop for a thorough check to ensure there were no hidden issues. Low tire pressure is very common; it not only increases tire wear and shortens lifespan but can also spike fuel consumption by over 5%. Keeping a tire pressure gauge handy and doing a simple weekly check can prevent trouble. Key takeaway: Never ignore warnings, driving safety comes first, especially before long trips—always check tire conditions to prevent unexpected incidents.
