Is a tire pressure of 190 normal in summer?
3 Answers
Tire pressure that is too low increases the contact area between the tire and the ground, leading to abnormal temperature rises inside the tire during driving. Additionally, severe deformation of the tire sidewalls accelerates the aging of internal steel wires and fabric layers, which can lead to potential blowouts. It also increases fuel consumption and reduces tire lifespan. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard: (1) Standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar (2) Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar (3) Maximum pressure: Should not exceed 3.5 bar. Generally, car tires require a pressure of about 2 kg--2.5 kg. Based on the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, in summer, the pressure can be adjusted 0.1-0.2 lower than the normal value, while in winter, it can be adjusted 0.1-0.2 higher than the normal value.
Last time I checked my car myself, I paid special attention to the tire pressure. A reading of 190 in summer is definitely too low—normal cold tire pressure for regular family cars should be at least between 220 and 250. For every 10-degree temperature increase, tire pressure rises by about 10 kPa. If you measure 190 when the car is warm, the actual cold pressure might drop to 170, which is extremely dangerous. Underinflated tires cause the sidewalls to flex repeatedly, becoming scorching hot after just a few kilometers of driving, and could blow out at any moment on the highway. Just the other day, I saw an SUV whose fuel consumption surged by 20% due to low tire pressure, with uneven tire wear to boot. I recommend topping up the air first thing in the morning when the car hasn’t been driven, and checking for slow leaks while you’re at it.
I've learned my lesson about tire pressure. 190 kPa in summer is simply not enough, especially with current scorching weather where asphalt road temperatures can exceed 60°C. Last time I drove with 190 kPa for half an hour, the tires were burning hot to touch. Insufficient tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the steering wheel noticeably heavier and reducing responsiveness during emergency lane changes. Standard tire pressure is usually marked on the door frame or inside the fuel filler cap, with recommended values around 220 kPa. It's best to keep a portable tire pressure gauge and inflator handy - always measure when tires are cold. By the way, if the low tire pressure warning light comes on, you must address it immediately.
