Is a tire pressure of 190 caused by a puncture?
2 Answers
A tire pressure reading of 190 is highly likely to indicate a nail puncture, though it could also be a false alarm from the tire pressure monitoring system. It is recommended to pull over to the side of the road, turn on the hazard lights, and then use a pressure gauge to check the actual tire pressure. If the actual pressure is indeed 190, immediate attention at a repair shop is necessary. When a car's tire pressure is too low, the vehicle should not continue to be driven because the increased contact area between the tire and the road surface leads to abnormal temperature rises within the tire during driving. Additionally, severe deformation of the tire sidewall can accelerate the aging of internal steel wires and fabric layers, potentially leading to a blowout, and it also increases fuel consumption.
Encountering a tire pressure drop to 190 kPa while driving likely indicates a puncture. I've had several tire issues before, and they often started around 190 kPa. Normal tire pressure typically ranges between 200 to 250 kPa, so anything below 200 should raise concern. While a puncture causes slow air leakage, other common reasons include a loose valve stem or cracks on the wheel rim edge. My routine is to first pull over safely, apply soapy water to the tire surface, and check for bubbles. Bubbles confirm a nail puncture or similar damage; if none appear, it might just be due to sudden temperature drops—cold weather naturally reduces pressure by 10-20 kPa. Regardless, it's best not to continue driving and visit a tire repair shop promptly to avoid blowout risks, especially on highways. Regular pressure checks prevent trouble—I now use a portable gauge monthly for this.
