Is it easier to get a flat tire with high tire pressure or low tire pressure?
2 Answers
Both excessively high or low tire pressure can easily lead to flat tires. It is recommended to maintain tire pressure at a moderate level. Below is relevant information about car tire pressure: Overview: Tire pressure, strictly speaking, refers to the air pressure inside the tire. Tire pressure is like the blood pressure of a car, and its level plays a crucial role in the car's performance and power. Air pressure is the lifeblood of a tire; both too high and too low will shorten the tire's lifespan. Hazards of improper pressure: Too low pressure increases tire body deformation, easily causing cracks on the tire side, along with flexing movements that lead to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layer, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear on the tire shoulder. Too high pressure causes excessive stretching and deformation of the tire cords, reducing the tire body's elasticity, increasing the load on the car while driving, and may lead to internal cracks and blowouts upon impact.
Having driven for decades, I deeply understand that low tire pressure makes blowouts more likely. Once during a summer road trip, I didn’t inflate the tires in time, and one burst on the highway—the car lost control and nearly hit the guardrail, which scared me badly. The mechanic later explained that underinflated tires deform excessively, especially causing the sidewalls to bend too much, generating extra friction and heat, which softens and weakens the rubber. While overinflation isn’t ideal either, the risk of a blowout is much lower. Now, I make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly with a portable gauge, keeping it within the manufacturer’s recommended range. During seasonal shifts, like spring to summer when temperatures rise, tire pressure fluctuates noticeably, requiring extra attention—otherwise, the risk doubles. Safe driving leaves no room for negligence; don’t overlook this small detail and invite big trouble.
