Is a tire pressure of around 2.9 bar dangerous on the highway?
2 Answers
Highway tire pressure around 2.9 bar is dangerous, as the normal tire pressure range is between 2.4-2.5 bar. The hazards of excessive tire pressure are as follows: Tire friction and adhesion will decrease, affecting braking performance; it can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; it accelerates localized wear on the central tread pattern of the tire, shortening tire lifespan; increased body vibration indirectly affects the lifespan of other components; it causes excessive stretching deformation of the tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the car while driving; puncture resistance decreases. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, and impacts can cause internal cracks and explosions, leading to blowouts. The method for resetting tire pressure is as follows: First, turn on the ignition switch, press and hold the tire pressure monitoring reset button until you hear a "beep," then release it. The tire pressure monitoring system will store the current normal tire pressure data, automatically clear the original data, and finally, the dashboard warning light will turn off, completing the tire pressure reset.
I once had the experience of inflating my tires to 2.9 bar, and as a result, the car felt floaty at high speeds, with reduced handling stability, especially when taking corners. Later, I consulted a mechanic friend who explained that overinflated tires heat up quickly during high-speed driving, increasing the risk of a blowout, particularly in summer when road temperatures are high. He recommended checking tire pressure when the tires are cold, as the ideal values are usually clearly indicated on the door label or in the manual. For most cars, a pressure between 2.2 and 2.5 bar is sufficient. If you find the pressure too high, release some air to adjust it to the normal range. Safety comes first—saving a bit of fuel isn’t worth the risk. Make it a habit to keep a portable tire pressure gauge in the trunk and check the pressure before trips for peace of mind.