How to Determine if Tire Pressure is Normal?
3 Answers
You can check the tire pressure of a car's tires through the feedback information from the onboard computer on the dashboard or central control display screen, or you can measure it with a tire pressure gauge. Additionally, you can observe the number of tire treads in contact with the ground. Generally, under normal tire pressure, the number of tire treads in contact with the ground should be between 4 to 5. The normal tire pressure for a car is between 2.3bar and 2.5bar. Due to environmental factors, tire pressure can be slightly higher in winter and slightly lower in summer. Before embarking on a long-distance trip, it is essential to check the tire pressure to prevent safety incidents caused by under-inflation or tire blowouts on highways.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and my experience in judging tire pressure relies entirely on daily observation. Every morning before starting the car, I habitually walk around it, keeping an eye on the tires for any obvious signs of deflation. If one tire looks significantly flatter, it's probably due to low tire pressure. While driving, I pay special attention to the feel—if the steering wheel feels heavier than usual or the car tends to pull to one side, it's usually a tire pressure issue. I always keep a simple tire pressure gauge in the car and measure the pressure every two weeks when the tires are cold, referring to the label on the door frame for the correct values—that's the most accurate. The most hassle-free method is checking the tire pressure warning on the dashboard; most modern cars have this feature. If the warning light comes on, I immediately check and top up the air. The free air pumps at gas stations are also very convenient for quick top-ups—safe and economical.
I mainly rely on the car's onboard system to monitor tire pressure, with the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard being the most intuitive signal. Whenever I notice it's lit, I immediately find a place to pull over and check. I keep a portable electronic tire pressure gauge in the car, which I screw onto the valve stem to get a reading, checking if it's below the recommended value on the door frame label. Before driving, I make it a habit to visually inspect the tires, using a coin or key to gauge the tread depth—if the wear is uneven, it might indicate incorrect tire pressure. I also pay special attention to weather changes; tire pressure tends to drop a bit when temperatures fall in winter, so I top it up promptly. If I'm really unsure, I just head to the auto repair shop and have them check it with professional equipment—it only takes a few minutes and isn't a hassle.
