Is a tire pressure of 2.6 too high in winter?
3 Answers
A tire pressure of 2.6 in winter is not too high and falls within the normal range. Car owners can also check the standard tire pressure chart for their vehicle by referring to the fuel filler cap or looking at the labels on the door B-pillar or C-pillar, which usually display the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Different vehicle models may have slightly varying tire pressure ranges. Since tires are made of rubber material and follow the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, the tire pressure in summer can be 0.1 to 0.2 bar lower than the normal value, while in winter it can be 0.1 to 0.2 bar higher than the normal value. Car owners should adjust the tire pressure according to the recommended range for their specific vehicle model. Insufficient tire pressure can increase tire wear, while excessive pressure may affect ride comfort.
I think a winter tire pressure of 2.6 bar is indeed a bit on the high side. Having driven many cars, I know that tire pressure tends to drop in low winter temperatures, but increasing it to 2.6 bar generally exceeds the standard value. Most vehicles recommend a tire pressure between 2.2-2.5 bar. If it's too high, the tires become harder, reducing grip and making them more prone to slipping on icy roads. It can also cause uneven wear, leading to premature wear in the center of the tread. I suggest you check the label on the door frame or the user manual to find the exact recommended value, then use a tire pressure gauge to measure the cold tire pressure. Spending a minute or two checking before driving ensures a smoother and safer ride. With large temperature fluctuations in winter, it's a good habit to recheck the tire pressure every week or two—don't wait until there's a problem with the tires.
From the perspective of car maintenance, setting winter tire pressure to 2.6 bar is too high. Normal tire pressure generally does not exceed 2.5 bar. When tire pressure is too high, the tires become too hard, reducing friction and braking effectiveness on icy or snowy roads, which can easily lead to skidding or fishtailing accidents. It also accelerates wear on the central part of the tire. During my regular car maintenance, I've noticed that slightly higher tire pressure can save some fuel, but exceeding 0.2 bar is not worth the trade-offs. It's recommended to use a proper tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure when the tires are cold, refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended values, and then adjust to a moderate range. This ensures driving comfort and tire longevity. Having a professional check during regular maintenance can also help avoid potential risks.
