Is Higher or Lower Tire Pressure Better in Summer?
3 Answers
Lower tire pressure is better in summer. Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure for car tires is sufficient. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4 bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can generally be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to prevent tire blowouts due to high temperatures. Hazards of Overinflated Tires: The friction and adhesion of the tires 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, shortening tire lifespan; increased body vibration indirectly affects the lifespan of other components. The tire's resistance to punctures 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. Hazards of Underinflated Tires: The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; it makes the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; it increases the movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; it reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim can cause damage to the bead area and abnormal wear.
In summer driving, I believe tire pressure should not be deliberately adjusted higher or lower—maintaining the vehicle's recommended cold tire pressure is most appropriate. Due to high summer temperatures, air expands easily, causing tire pressure to rise naturally. If you inflate tires beyond the recommended pressure, the pressure may surge excessively in hot weather, increasing the risk of blowouts and reducing handling stability. Conversely, underinflating leads to increased friction, overheating, accelerated tire wear, and higher fuel consumption. I check my tire pressure weekly in the morning when the tires are cold, ensuring it matches the label on the door frame—usually between 30-35 psi. Simple maintenance like this ensures peace of mind and safety.
From a cost-saving perspective, neither high nor low summer tire pressure is economical. When tire pressure is low, the contact area of the tire increases, rolling resistance rises, and fuel consumption can increase by up to 10%. While higher pressure may slightly reduce resistance, it accelerates center wear, leading to earlier tire replacement costs, which is even more counterproductive. The best value is to adhere to the recommended cold tire pressure in the vehicle manual, easily measured with a few-dollar tire pressure gauge, and it can even extend tire life under summer heat expansion. Don’t forget to check your tires in the morning.
