Is it safe to drive with a tire pressure of 2.1 Bar?
2 Answers
A tire pressure of 2.1 Bar is not safe for normal driving. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. Since 2.1 bar is below the minimum recommended value, it is unsafe for driving. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and increased risk of veering, compromising driving safety; Excessive movement of tire components, causing abnormal heat due to over-compression; Reduced functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, as well as excessive friction with the rim, resulting in tire bead damage and abnormal wear; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a rapid decrease in strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increased deformation of the tire body, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and generating excessive flexing motion, leading to overheating, rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
A tire pressure of 2.1 Bar is indeed a bit low. Normally, it's recommended to maintain between 2.2 to 2.5 Bar for optimal performance. Insufficient pressure causes more tire deformation and increased friction with the road surface, which inevitably leads to higher fuel consumption. I once forgot to check before driving, and with the pressure at 2.1 Bar, after 50 kilometers, my fuel consumption increased by nearly 15%. Plus, there was added concern about excessive wear on the tire sidewalls. It's even more dangerous on long-distance trips—overheated tires increase the risk of a blowout, especially on highways where the steering wheel feels heavier and braking becomes more strenuous. I recommend finding a repair shop or gas station immediately to inflate your tires, using a pressure gauge for accurate measurement. Also, weather changes can affect tire pressure; for instance, it rises slightly in hot weather. So, make it a habit to check monthly for both fuel efficiency and safety.
