Is a tire pressure of 1.9 bar normal in winter? Do I need to add air?
3 Answers
Winter tire pressure of 1.9 bar is not normal and requires adding air. According to the provisions and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure is 2.4-2.5 bar, and it is appropriate to increase it by about 0.2 bar in winter. Therefore, 1.9 bar is below the minimum value of the standard tire pressure, so air needs to be added. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and makes the vehicle prone to drifting, among other factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heating of the tire; Reduces the function of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. High-speed driving may lead to a tire blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracking, while generating flexing movements that lead to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord ply, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
I usually pay great attention to safety when driving. A tire pressure of 1.9 bar in winter is indeed a bit low. Generally, the standard tire pressure for most cars, as indicated on the door frame or in the manual, is around 2.0 to 2.5 bar. If it's below this value, it can affect braking and steering, making it easier to skid or have a tire blowout, especially when it's cold and the roads are slippery, which is even more dangerous. I recommend adding some air immediately and checking the tire pressure gauge to ensure it's raised to around 2.2 bar. This will make driving more stable and prevent excessive tire wear. Additionally, make it a habit to check the tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, especially during seasonal changes. This habit saves both peace of mind and money. Insufficient tire pressure also increases fuel consumption. Don't overlook this small detail—it's crucial for driving safety.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered many tire pressure issues. 1.9 bar in winter is a bit low, as most cars recommend a tire pressure between 2.2 bar and 2.4 bar. It's normal for tire pressure to drop in cold weather, but not adjusting it will cause the tires to wear out quickly—I've learned this the hard way. It's best to measure tire pressure with a standard gauge, checking it in the early morning when temperatures are lowest for the most accurate reading. If the pressure is low, just go to a gas station to add some air immediately—don't wait until the tires deform or fuel consumption increases before panicking. Insufficient tire pressure also makes the ride bumpier and reduces comfort. Maintaining proper tire pressure extends tire life and makes driving easier and more convenient.
