How to Determine if a Tire is Underinflated?
3 Answers
To determine if a tire is underinflated, you can: 1. Visually inspect all four tires to see if any appear noticeably flat; 2. Use a tire pressure measurement device, such as a handheld tire pressure monitor or an onboard automatic tire pressure display, to accurately measure the tire pressure; 3. Install a tire pressure monitoring system to continuously monitor the tire pressure in real-time. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery that roll on the ground. They are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during operation. Therefore, tires must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning properties.
Personally, I think tire underinflation is easiest to spot through daily visual checks. If the tire looks noticeably flatter than usual, squat down and observe from the side—the sidewall may appear saggy. Or when the car is parked, the part of the tire touching the ground might seem overly flattened. These are strong signs of low pressure. Especially when temperatures drop, air pressure naturally decreases, so it’s best to make a habit of checking monthly. Don’t underestimate this small task—driving with underinflated tires for too long leads to uneven wear, increased fuel consumption, and instability at high speeds. My neighbor neglected it once and ended up wasting money on premature tire replacements. In short, a quick glance at tire shape is a simple yet practical method. Regular maintenance saves a lot of hassle—safety always comes first.
The feeling while driving never lies. If the steering wheel feels heavier than usual, turning requires more effort, and the car body shakes occasionally, it's time to suspect insufficient tire pressure. Last time I went on an outing, I felt the car constantly pulling to the left on the road. When I got out to check, sure enough, the rear tire was slightly flat. Such changes in driving experience are obvious: slower acceleration, longer braking distance, and increased tire noise. If the car shakes severely on the highway, pull over immediately to check—don't push through. Develop the habit of walking around the car before starting it; lightly kicking the tires a couple of times can give an initial sense of their firmness. Addressing issues promptly not only protects tire lifespan but also avoids unexpected risks—after all, prevention is better than cure.
