Is it safe to drive with a tire pressure of 2.1?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 2.1 is not safe for normal driving. The recommended tire pressure range is between 2.3 and 2.5. Excessively low tire pressure can cause severe deformation of the tire sidewall, damage the cord layer, and lead to a blowout. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire. The hazards of low tire pressure include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Making the steering wheel heavy, which is a safety hazard; 3. Increasing the movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling and accelerating rubber aging; 4. Reducing the functionality of the cord and rubber; 5. Making the tire sidewall prone to cracks and causing flexing movements.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that a tire pressure of 2.1 is a bit low. The normal range should be between 2.2 and 2.5, depending on the sticker on your car door. Low pressure causes excessive tire deformation, leading to higher fuel consumption and faster wear – you might lose dozens of kilometers per tank. Long-term underinflation can cause uneven tire wear, and at high speeds, tire temperatures rise quickly, increasing the risk of a blowout. Last time I noticed 2.1, I immediately went to a gas station to inflate them – it only cost 5 yuan. I recommend checking monthly with a portable pressure gauge. Safety first, don't push your luck. Temperature changes also affect tire pressure; you'll need to adjust it higher in winter.