Is a tire pressure of 190 kPa indicating a punctured tire?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 190 kPa might indicate a puncture, and the tire pressure needs to be replenished. Under normal circumstances, the tire pressure of a car should be between 2.3-2.5 bar. When the tire pressure is 192 kPa, the pressure is noticeably lower. This could be due to a puncture causing air leakage, which naturally results in lower tire pressure. If the low tire pressure is caused by a puncture, the tire should be repaired or replaced as necessary, and the tire pressure should then be adjusted to the standard level. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel, which can cause the vehicle to drift, posing safety risks; Increased movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; Reduced functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to a blowout; Increased deformation of the tire body, making the tire side prone to cracks, along with flexing movements that cause excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear at the tire shoulder.
I find it truly alarming when tire pressure drops to 190kPa, as this likely indicates an issue though not necessarily a puncture. Normal tire pressure typically ranges between 200-250kPa, so 190 is noticeably low and would make me uneasy. Driving with underinflated tires accelerates tread wear, increases fuel consumption, and even raises the risk of blowouts at high speeds. I'd first recheck with a simple pressure gauge to rule out misreading. If confirmed low, I'd immediately pull over safely to inspect for nails or sharp objects on the tire surface. I'd also recall whether I recently drove on rough roads or parked near construction sites. If no obvious punctures are visible, it could be valve leakage, tire aging, or temperature-induced slow leaks. My advice: don't risk prolonged driving - visit a repair shop promptly for professional equipment diagnostics. Safety first - better overreact than overlook.
