Is a tire pressure of 230kpa normal for cars in summer?
3 Answers
Is a tire pressure of 230kpa normal for cars in summer? A tire pressure of 230kpa is normal for cars in summer. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure for regular tires is 240-250kpa. Due to high temperatures in summer, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure is generally considered the normal range. However, if the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can usually be about 100kpa lower than the standard. Therefore, a tire pressure of 230kpa in summer is normal. There are generally three reasons for abnormal tire pressure: Abnormal tire pressure: Usually, an alarm will trigger if the pressure is below 180kpa or above 300kpa. At this time, tire inspection and pressure adjustment are required. Tire pressure monitoring not reset: After inflating the tires, if the tire pressure is not reset in time, the tire pressure monitoring system will still record the original data, causing the tire pressure monitoring indicator to light up. In this case, simply perform a tire pressure reset. Damaged tire pressure sensor: The tire pressure sensor, which is used to monitor tire pressure, is directly installed inside the tire and connected to the tire inflation port. If the tire pressure sensor is damaged during driving, the tire pressure warning light will also illuminate. For sensor damage issues, only replacement with a new component is possible.
A tire pressure of 230 kPa is generally normal in summer, but it ultimately depends on your vehicle's recommended value. Typically, the suggested cold tire pressure for sedans ranges between 220-250 kPa. As temperatures rise, tire pressure naturally increases by 5-10%, so 230 kPa falls within a reasonable range. However, in summer, road temperatures can exceed 60°C, and tire friction-generated heat may cause pressure to spike above 250 kPa instantly. I recall once helping a neighbor check their car and finding the tire pressure at 260 kPa, with the tread center already worn flat. It's best to measure pressure when the tires are cold in the morning. If it exceeds 240 kPa, slightly release some air. Keeping a tire pressure gauge in the trunk is quite practical, especially for checking before long trips.
From my years of long-distance driving experience, a summer tire pressure of 230 kPa can handle most situations. Nowadays, new cars have the standard tire pressure values labeled on the inside of the fuel tank cap, with most models indicating 220-240 kPa. Tire pressure does increase in hot weather, but 230 kPa is within the safe range. What you need to watch out for is road surface temperature—midday asphalt can raise tire temperature by over 30 degrees. Last week, my colleague's tire pressure rose from 235 kPa to 255 kPa, resulting in a sidewall bulge. I recommend using a mechanical tire pressure gauge monthly for more reliable readings than digital ones. Don’t forget to check the spare tire—high temperatures accelerate rubber aging, and prolonged storage can lead to air leaks.
