Is a winter tire pressure of 2.1 bar normal? Do I need to add air?
2 Answers
Winter tire pressure of 2.1 bar is not normal and requires adding air. According to the provisions and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure is 2.4-2.5 bar, and it should be appropriately increased by about 0.2 bar in winter. Therefore, 2.1 bar is below the minimum value of the standard tire pressure, so air needs to be added. Hazards of low tire pressure: The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and makes the vehicle prone to drifting, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heating of the tire; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage and abnormal wear to the bead area; The friction between the tire and the ground increases exponentially, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. High-speed driving may lead to a tire blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracks and generating flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, and also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
As a frequent driver, I've encountered the issue of tire pressure dropping in winter multiple times. The decrease in temperature causes the air to contract, naturally leading to lower tire pressure. It's quite common for the pressure to drop to 2.1 bar in winter, but the normal range is typically 2.2-2.5 bar, depending on your vehicle's manual or the label on the door frame. A pressure of 2.1 bar is on the low side, which can affect grip and handling safety, such as increasing braking distance, raising fuel consumption, and potentially accelerating tire wear. I recommend inflating the tires to the standard value, around 2.3 bar, as soon as possible to improve driving stability. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold; measuring after the car has been parked overnight provides more accurate results. If you use the free tire pressure gauge at a gas station, it's an easy fix. Regular monthly checks can help prevent such issues. Don't overlook tire pressure maintenance in winter—it's crucial for your travel safety, especially on icy or snowy roads.
