Is It Normal for the Four Tires to Have Different Air Pressures?

[DeJoel]

It is not normal for the four tires to have different air pressures. Uneven tire pressure can lead to poor braking performance, loss of control, difficulty or heaviness in steering, reduced tire lifespan, increased risk of tire blowouts, and higher fuel consumption. These issues become more severe when the vehicle is heavily loaded. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures for different types of tires are as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar; Maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5 bar. In winter, tire pressure should be adjusted slightly higher by about 0.2 bar based on the standard tire pressure. Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure 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 be slightly lower than the standard by about 0.1 bar to prevent blowouts due to high temperatures.

[VanHector]

Having different tire pressures in all four tires is definitely not normal. I remember when I first started driving, I was always too lazy to check the tire pressure. Once, I found that the front and rear tires had a difference of almost 5 PSI, and the car drove unsteadily with poor handling, especially during high-speed turns when the tires lacked sufficient grip. Later, during maintenance, the mechanic explained that uneven tire pressure causes uneven tire wear—the left tires wore out faster while the right ones were fine. Not only did this waste money on new tires, but it also increased fuel consumption, reducing the distance I could travel on a full tank by dozens of kilometers. Now, I’ve developed the habit of using a tire pressure gauge every month to ensure all tires are within the manufacturer’s recommended range—usually 30-35 PSI for sedans. A difference of 1-2 PSI is acceptable, but if it exceeds 4 PSI, I inflate them immediately. Never overlook this issue—small problems can escalate into big ones and compromise driving safety.

[DelGabriela]

I think inconsistent tire pressure is completely abnormal, especially in rainy areas like ours—it's too dangerous. For example, once I had a 3 PSI difference in tire pressure, and when I had to brake hard on a wet road, the wheels skidded for a moment, almost scraping the curb. Uneven tire pressure affects weight distribution, causing imbalance in the car, faster tire wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. Experts say the ideal scenario is for all four tires to have nearly identical pressure, with a maximum difference of 2-3 PSI. If this happens frequently, it could be due to a slow leak or a faulty valve core. I recommend keeping an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and checking it weekly, adjusting all tires to the same level when cold. This isn’t just about saving money or fuel—it’s about your family’s safety. Don’t wait for an accident to regret it.

[Natalie]

As someone who deals with wheels all day, I'd say it's not normal. Common causes include small punctures from nails, loose valve stems, or significant pressure fluctuations due to temperature changes. Uneven tire pressure causes uneven force distribution on the tires—higher in the left front, lower in the right rear—leading to steering wheel vibrations, accelerated tread wear, and eventually requiring a full tire replacement, which can be costly. A difference of 1-2 PSI is minor, but exceeding 4 PSI warrants attention. When checking, first consult the manufacturer's manual for recommended pressure, then use a pressure gauge to measure and adjust to uniformity when the tires are cold. Keep it simple—don't wait until a blowout to address it.

[Snow]

From my experience, having four tires with different pressures is really not acceptable. Why? Because it directly impacts the driving experience—uneven handling stiffness or softness, the car pulling to one side during acceleration, reduced control, and increased fuel consumption. A difference of 2-3 PSI is tolerable, but larger discrepancies usually indicate a leak or incorrect inflation. Especially now that new cars come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the warning light will alert you to any abnormalities. I recommend checking tire pressure monthly and adjusting all tires to the same value when cold, such as 35 PSI for sedans. Before long trips or heavy loads, check the pressure to ensure balance; otherwise, accidents are more likely to occur.