Is a tire pressure of 2.2 bar normal in winter?
2 Answers
Winter tire pressure of 2.2 bar is not normal. According to the provisions and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure is 2.4-2.5 bar, and it is appropriate to increase it by about 0.2 bar in winter. Therefore, 2.2 bar is below the minimum value of the standard tire pressure, so it is not normal. Hazards of low tire pressure: The friction coefficient with the road surface will increase, leading to higher fuel consumption; It can cause the steering wheel to feel heavy and make the vehicle prone to drifting, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; It increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heating of the tire; It reduces the function of the cord 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 exponentially, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. High-speed driving under these conditions may lead to a tire blowout; It increases the deformation of the tire body, making the tire side prone to cracking, and generates flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, cord breakage, and also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
As an automotive detailing enthusiast, I find that a winter tire pressure of 2.2 bar might be on the low side and requires specific analysis. Tire pressure is greatly affected by temperature—cold air in winter causes contraction, typically reducing pressure by about 0.1-0.2 bar. So, if 2.2 bar was measured in cold conditions, it may fall below the standard value. Normal cold tire pressure ranges between 2.1-2.5 bar, but you should refer to your vehicle’s manual, usually indicated on a label on the door frame or glove box. For example, my car recommends 2.4 bar cold tire pressure. Falling below this can lead to increased edge wear, unstable handling, higher fuel consumption, and safety risks. I recommend remeasuring in a garage or temperature-stable environment using a reliable tire gauge. In winter, you can slightly increase pressure to the upper limit of the recommended range (e.g., around 2.5 bar) to compensate for low temperatures. Make it a habit to check monthly to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
