Is a tire pressure of 275 kPa normal?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 275 kPa is not normal. The normal range for car tire pressure is generally between 2.3-2.5 bar. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates localized wear on the central tread pattern of the tire, shortening its lifespan; Increases vehicle body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Causes excessive stretching deformation of the tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks or blowouts, leading to a flat tire. Methods for insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate to normal pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If inspection reveals a puncture, promptly drive to a tire shop for repair and reinflation; If the tire pressure warning reappears after inflation without any punctures, it may be due to air leakage from a deformed wheel rim. It is recommended to inspect and replace the wheel rim.
Throughout my years of driving, I've always paid attention to tire pressure. A tire pressure of 275 kPa converts to approximately 40 psi, which might be normal for some SUVs or larger vehicles, but the standard tire pressure for regular sedans typically ranges between 30 to 35 psi, equivalent to 200 to 240 kPa. I once inflated my car's tires to 40 psi and noticed a slight improvement in fuel efficiency, but the ride became noticeably bumpier, and during rainy conditions, the braking distance increased significantly. Later, upon inspection, I found severe wear in the center of the tires—definitely not worth it. High tire pressure reduces grip, affects handling and safety, and over time, can lead to tire blowouts or shortened tire life. I recommend checking the recommended tire pressure label on the door frame or in the user manual. If it doesn't match, use an inexpensive pressure gauge to adjust the pressure to the appropriate value when the tires are cold. Checking the pressure once a month can prevent such issues, protect your tires, and even save on fuel costs. Don't overlook safety risks for minor benefits—manufacturer recommendations are based on extensive testing.
