Is a tire pressure of 2.2 a bit low in summer?
3 Answers
In summer, a tire pressure of 2.2 is a bit low. According to the stipulations and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. A pressure of 2.2 bar is below the minimum value of the standard tire pressure, so it is abnormal. 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 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 functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim leading to damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; The friction between the tire and the ground increases exponentially, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases the deformation of the tire body, making the tire side prone to cracking, while also generating flexing movements that cause excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, cord breakage, and increasing the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear at the tire shoulders.
Setting the tire pressure to 2.2 bar in summer might be too low for some cars. With over ten years of driving experience, I know that high temperatures in summer cause tire temperatures to rise, naturally increasing tire pressure. If the cold pressure is 2.2 bar, the running pressure might drop to around 2.0 bar, increasing rolling resistance and the risk of tire deformation. This worsens handling, especially during turns or sudden braking, making skidding more likely. I usually refer to the manufacturer’s recommended values on the door frame, which for most cars range between 2.2 and 2.5 bar. In summer, I set it toward the higher end, like 2.4 bar, to ensure even tire contact. Low pressure can also lead to uneven wear and overheating, posing safety risks. I recommend regularly checking cold tire pressure with a gauge—just a quick test before driving—and topping up as needed for maintenance. Safe driving starts with small details; don’t overlook them, as they can prevent many issues.
I think setting the tire pressure at 2.2 bar in summer is a bit low, and from a fuel-saving perspective, it's even more problematic. I used to set it this way frequently, and my fuel consumption increased by a noticeable 20% because lower tire pressure increases friction, forcing the engine to work harder. In summer, the road surface is hot, and tire temperature changes rapidly—starting at 2.2 when cold, it drops to just 2.0 after a short drive. The recommended values, often listed on the door label, range from 2.2 to 2.5; I prefer setting it to 2.4, which not only reduces fuel consumption but also protects the tires. I've also noticed that tire lifespan has extended, with more even wear. Regular checks are crucial—an inexpensive tire pressure gauge will do. Low tire pressure also affects braking distance, so safety comes first. After adopting this habit, my car runs more smoothly, and I've saved a significant amount on fuel costs.
