Is a tire pressure of 210 normal in winter?
3 Answers
A tire pressure of 210 kPa is within the normal range, but it is slightly low and requires inflation. Effects of low tire pressure: Low tire pressure 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 sidewall accelerates the aging of internal steel wires and fabric layers, increasing the risk of a blowout. It also raises fuel consumption and reduces tire lifespan. Effects of high tire pressure: Excessive tire pressure reduces friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance. It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort. It accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire life. Increased vehicle vibration indirectly impacts the lifespan of other components.
Just helped a friend with a similar issue a few days ago. His car's factory-recommended cold tire pressure was 230, but it dropped to 205 after cooling down, making the car noticeably less fuel-efficient and unstable. Theoretically, winter tire pressure should be 0.2-0.3 bar higher than in summer because cold temperatures cause air to contract. For example, if the standard value is 230, a cold reading of 210 is too low. Driving on the highway with underinflated tires causes excessive sidewall flex and heat buildup. If you notice the center of the tire's contact patch isn't fully touching the ground, it definitely needs more air. I recommend checking the sticker on your door frame for the standard value, buying a $3 mechanical tire gauge to measure before your morning commute, and topping up if it's significantly low—just remember to inflate to 1.1 times the standard value.
It depends on the specific model. There's a difference of over 20 in the standard values between my SUV and sedan. Last week when it was below freezing, my tire pressure warning light came on, showing 213, with the dashboard indicating it was 15% below the standard value. Experienced drivers know that in winter, it's better to have higher tire pressure than lower, but 210 is acceptable depending on the manufacturer's recommended value. If the factory suggests around 220, it's barely acceptable, but if it recommends 240 or above, action must be taken. Here's a tip: After parking for more than three hours, press the edge of the tire with your foot. If it's easy to press, it means there's too little air, and the sidewall deformation will accelerate wear. Don't forget to check the spare tire when inflating.
