Is It Safe to Drive with Abnormal Tire Pressure?

[LeNova]

If the tire pressure is abnormal, it is recommended not to continue driving and to stop for inspection. The standard tire pressure for car tires usually ranges between 2.3~2.8 BAR. As long as it falls within this range, it is considered safe. Hazards of Overinflated Tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tire, affecting braking performance; causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; overstretches the tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks or blowouts, leading to tire bursts. Hazards of Underinflated Tires: Increases friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; makes the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, compromising driving safety; increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; reduces the functionality of cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; multiplies friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may result in tire bursts; increases tire deformation, leading to cracks on the sidewalls and generating flexing motion, causing excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground and accelerating shoulder wear.

[OCarson]

Speaking of whether you can drive with abnormal tire pressure, I've learned my lesson. When the tire pressure is too low, the tires are more prone to deformation and overheating, leading to a blowout in no time on the highway. If the tire pressure is too high, the car bounces so much that going over a speed bump feels like an earthquake. I remember last winter when the pressure dropped due to the cold, I drove slowly to the repair shop and almost had an accident—luckily, I kept control. Now, if there's even a slight abnormality, I'll move the car to the nearest repair shop if possible, never exceeding 50 km/h and only if the distance is less than 10 km. But the risk of a blowout is real, especially if the sidewall is flat—don’t move it at all. Always check the standard values on the label inside the door, and keep a tire pressure gauge in the garage for regular checks. Safety first—don’t risk your life to save a little time.

[Jeffrey]

I'm quite picky about driving. When the tire pressure is off, the car drives like a clumsy ox. Low tire pressure makes handling sluggish, steering feels heavy during turns, and fuel consumption spikes by over 20%. Overinflated tires create annoying road noise over small bumps, ruining comfort. The other day I drove my friend's car with low tire pressure—it wobbled like a boat and burned fuel badly within just two kilometers. In such cases, you can only crawl to the nearest air station to adjust pressure, but never attempt long trips or highways. Keep a simple tire gauge in your garage to check cold-tire pressure occasionally—the standard value is posted on the door frame. Maintaining proper tire pressure ensures smoother driving, better fuel efficiency, and peace of mind.

[OMaria]

If you notice abnormal tire pressure, don't rush to drive. First measure how much higher or lower it is: The standard value is marked on the door. If it's about 0.3bar lower, you can drive at a speed below 40km/h for a short distance to a repair shop; if it's severe, like a flat tire with a difference of more than 0.5bar, definitely stop and change to the spare tire or call a tow truck. Measuring cold tires with a tire pressure gauge is the most accurate, avoiding inaccurate readings when tires are hot. I usually keep a small tire pressure gauge in my car for quick checks. Prioritize safety and don't take risks.