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. Air needs to be added. According to the provisions and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure is 2.4-2.5 bar, and it should be appropriately increased 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: The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to become heavy and prone to deviation, among other factors that are detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; The friction between the tire and the ground increases significantly, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowout; Increases the deformation of the tire body, making the tire side prone to cracking, while also causing flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, and cord breakage, and also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
From my perspective as a seasoned driver, a winter tire pressure drop to 1.9 bar is quite concerning. The normal range should be around 2.2 to 2.5 bar. With over twenty years of driving experience, I've noticed tire pressure tends to decrease in cold weather due to air contraction causing lower pressure. But 1.9 bar is clearly too low. If not promptly inflated, it could lead to issues like uneven tire wear, poor handling, and especially dangerous skidding or rollovers on icy roads. I recommend checking the label on your door frame or the user manual immediately for the recommended value—usually around 2.3 bar is ideal. Many gas stations now offer free air pumps, and carrying a small tire pressure gauge is handy. Don't cut corners on this; safety comes first. I neglected this when I was younger and ended up with badly worn treads on the highway. Make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly, and increase checks during winter.
As a car enthusiast, I've studied tire pressure extensively and temperature has a huge impact. In winter, cold air contraction naturally causes pressure to drop. 1.9 bar is definitely too low - the standard range typically starts from 2.2 bar, with variations depending on your vehicle model (check your door label). Such low pressure increases tire wear and fuel consumption, and also affects braking performance, especially in snowy/icy conditions. My personal approach is to immediately inflate to the recommended value (e.g. 2.4 bar) to restore vehicle stability. I regularly monitor using mobile apps or a simple tire pressure gauge - it's easy and practical. Don't wait until small issues become big problems; a few minutes of inflation can prevent being stranded on long trips.
