Is it acceptable for the Classic Transit to have four different tire pressures?
2 Answers
It is acceptable for the Classic Transit to have four different tire pressures. Typically, the front tires should have a slightly higher pressure than the rear tires, with the front tires maintained at 2.4bar and the rear tires at 2.3bar. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures for different types of tires are as follows: standard tires should be between 2.4-2.5bar; reinforced tires should be between 2.8-2.9bar; and the maximum tire pressure should not exceed 3.5bar. Tire pressure is critical to tire longevity. Both overinflation and underinflation can shorten a tire's lifespan. Underinflation increases tire deformation, leading to cracks on the tire sidewalls and excessive flexing, which generates heat and accelerates rubber aging. Overinflation causes excessive stretching of the tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the tire during driving. This can lead to internal cracks or blowouts upon impact, and also accelerates tread wear and reduces puncture resistance.
I had an old car with a similar issue before. Having four tires with significantly different pressures is really not acceptable, especially for large vehicles like the Classic Transit. Uneven tire pressure can make the vehicle unstable when turning or braking hard, increasing the risk of skidding. I once drove a friend's car with just a 0.3 bar difference in pressure, and it felt bumpy—almost caused an accident on the highway. The standard tire pressure is usually marked on the door frame, and for the Classic Transit, it's typically between 2.2 and 2.5 bar. I recommend adjusting all tires to the same pressure. Otherwise, uneven tire wear will occur, with one side wearing out faster than the other, leading to premature replacement. Check the pressure regularly with a tire gauge—once a month can prevent this hassle. Safety first—don't cut corners when it comes to safety.