Is it safe to drive with insufficient tire pressure?
1 Answers
It is not recommended to continue driving for extended periods with insufficient tire pressure. You should proceed to the nearest repair facility for tire replacement. Below are the potential consequences of driving with low tire pressure: 1. When tire pressure is insufficient, the sidewall undergoes excessive deformation during driving, generating excessive heat that may lead to tire separation and blowouts. Insufficient pressure increases movement across all tire components, causing abnormal heat buildup that degrades cord and rubber performance, potentially resulting in delamination, cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim causing bead area damage, and irregular wear. 2. While driving, as tire pressure decreases, fuel consumption increases. Friction between the tire and road surface multiplies, causing rapid temperature rise that softens the tire and drastically reduces its strength. Under these conditions, high-speed driving may cause blowouts. Additionally, insufficient tire pressure increases the friction coefficient with road surfaces, leading to higher fuel consumption.