Is it safe to drive with insufficient tire pressure?
3 Answers
Tire pressure is insufficient when driving at low speeds for short distances is not a problem, but never drive at high speeds for long distances. When the tire pressure is insufficient, high-speed driving can easily cause wave deformation, which is extremely likely to lead to a tire blowout. Tire pressure can be about 10% higher than the recommended pressure, but must never be lower than the recommended pressure. Too low tire pressure will seriously affect driving safety. Tire pressure is as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9bar; Maximum pressure: Should not exceed 3.5bar. Other deformation issues: Is a tire pressure of 2.0bar normal? No. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure is 2.4-2.5bar, and 2.0bar is below the minimum standard tire pressure, so it is not normal. What is the normal tire pressure in winter? In winter, the tire pressure should be based on the standard tire pressure of the car, with an appropriate increase of about 0.2bar. What is the normal tire pressure in summer? Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure for car tires is sufficient. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can generally be about 0.1bar lower than the standard to avoid tire blowouts due to high temperatures.
Speaking of whether you can drive with insufficient tire pressure, I've encountered similar situations several times. To be honest, it's best not to drive. Driving with low tire pressure poses significant risks, such as tire deformation increasing the chance of a blowout, especially making it prone to losing control on highways. The car may also feel like the steering wheel is heavier, braking distance is longer, and fuel consumption increases—the longer you drive, the worse these problems become. I recommend stopping immediately to check the pressure; keeping a portable tire pressure gauge in the car is convenient for measuring anytime. If there's an inflation point nearby, you can drive there at low speed, not exceeding 50 km/h. Develop a habit of checking tire pressure monthly under normal circumstances, referring to the standard values on the door frame—measuring when the car is cold gives the most accurate reading. Safety first; don't risk major repairs for minor savings.
You can still drive with low tire pressure, but don't push it. When this happens to me, I slow down and carefully move to a repair shop if it's a short distance. Prolonged driving can cause increased tire wear, potentially leading to sidewall blowouts or a spike in fuel consumption. It's best to keep an emergency air pump with tire pressure display in your trunk. By the way, many new cars have tire pressure monitoring systems that will alert you in time. Remember not to drive on highways or long distances as heat buildup makes tires more prone to problems. Regular tire checks can save you a lot of trouble—don't overlook these small details.
