Is driving 10-20 kilometers with a tire pressure of 1.9 bar a big issue?
3 Answers
Driving 10-20 kilometers with a tire pressure of 1.9 bar is not a significant issue. However, excessively low tire pressure can cause severe deformation of the tire sidewall, damage the cord layer, and potentially lead to a tire blowout. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and may lead to vehicle drift, compromising driving safety; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Doubles the friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving under these conditions may result in a tire blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire sidewall prone to cracking, while also causing flexing movements that lead to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, cord layer fatigue, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Solutions for insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate the tire to the normal pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If a puncture is found during inspection, promptly drive to a tire shop for repair and then reinflate the tire; If the tire pressure warning reappears some time after inflation without any puncture, it may be due to air leakage caused by rim deformation. It is advisable to inspect the rim and consider replacement.
A tire pressure of 1.9 bar is on the low side, as the normal range is generally between 2.2 and 2.5 bar. Driving for a dozen or twenty kilometers in the short term might not immediately cause major issues, and the risk is relatively low for short distances in urban areas at low speeds. However, I must warn you that driving like this long-term carries several hidden dangers: First, with lower tire pressure, the support is weaker, accelerating wear and tear, and the side rubber is more prone to deformation and cracking under pressure. Second, insufficient tire pressure increases the friction area, causing the tires to heat up quickly, which can lead to overheating and blowouts, especially in high summer temperatures, making high-speed driving particularly dangerous. Third, handling becomes less responsive, with a noticeable wobble during turns and reduced braking efficiency. I advise you not to continue driving like this and to find a gas station or repair shop to inflate the tires to the normal pressure as soon as possible. Checking tire pressure is simple—just use a tire pressure gauge when the car is cold. Developing a habit of checking monthly can protect your tires and improve fuel efficiency. Safety is not something to take lightly; prevention is always better than dealing with an accident.
I drive to work every day and have experienced low tire pressure several times. Driving about 20 kilometers at 1.9 bar is generally fine on city roads, given the short distance and time. But honestly, there are still impacts: fuel consumption increases slightly, roughly by 1%-2%; the tires may deform, possibly causing strange noises or vibrations; and the handling feels worse, with less responsive steering. Once, I drove 15 kilometers at 1.8 bar and noticed obvious wear on the outer side when I got home—luckily, there was no damage. I recommend inflating your tires as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage and higher repair costs. Buying a small tire pressure gauge for self-checks is convenient and saves time and hassle. Always keep an eye on the tire pressure warning on your dashboard while driving—safety first.
