Is a tire pressure of 210 normal for cars in summer?
3 Answers
No, a tire pressure of 210 is not normal for cars in summer. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. Since 210 is below the minimum recommended value, it is considered abnormal. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and tendency to veer off course, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; 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, as well as excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a sharp decrease in strength. High-speed driving under such conditions may result in a tire blowout; Increased deformation of the tire body, making the sidewalls prone to cracking, 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 on the tire shoulders.
As an average car owner, I was also puzzled when I noticed my summer tire pressure was at 210kPa. The standard tire pressure for cars is usually marked on the door frame or in the manual, typically between 2.2 and 2.5 bar. 210kPa is approximately 2.1 bar, which is slightly low. In summer, the air expands quickly due to heat, causing tire pressure to rise easily. If it's below the recommended value, it can lead to increased tire friction, higher fuel consumption, faster wear, and compromised handling, making it unsafe. I recommend checking and adjusting the pressure with a tire gauge in the morning when the car is cold, setting it within the manufacturer's recommended range. For example, my car usually runs at around 2.3 bar, and in summer, I set it slightly lower by 0.2 bar to compensate for temperature changes. Remember to measure it more accurately after the car has warmed up, but don’t exceed the limit to prevent the risk of a blowout. Safe driving comes first, and it also saves on fuel costs. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure at least once a month can avoid long-term damage to tire life, reduce unnecessary repair expenses, and save both time and money.
Our family has been driving for many years, especially during summer trips, and we need to pay extra attention to these details. A tire pressure of 210 kPa (approximately 2.1 bar) is not a major issue, but it's essential to verify the vehicle's standard. Different car models vary significantly—for example, sedans typically range between 2.2 and 2.4 bar, slightly higher. Lower pressure increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and unstable handling. In summer, high temperatures cause air to expand, making tire pressure rise faster than usual, so it's advisable to set it slightly lower to prevent overinflation. Frequent low pressure accelerates tread wear and can even cause uneven wear, affecting braking distance—safety comes first. We recommend referring to the vehicle manual or door label for the target value and inflating to a moderate level, such as around 2.3 bar, to maintain consistency and prevent issues. Additionally, during summer long-distance drives with heavy air conditioning loads, it's even more crucial to check tire pressure regularly and use a tire pressure monitor to avoid accidents, ensuring smooth family trips, reducing risks, and enhancing comfort.
