Is it safe to drive with low tire pressure?
3 Answers
It is not safe to drive with low tire pressure. The methods to address low tire pressure are: 1. Check if the tire is leaking or damaged; 2. Use a portable air pump to inflate the tire. The effects of low tire pressure include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface; 2. Heavy steering wheel and tendency to drift, which are unfavorable for driving safety; 3. Increased movement of various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heat generation due to excessive rolling; 4. Reduced functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim leading to damage at the bead area; 5. Increased deformation of the tire body, causing cracks on the sidewalls and flexing motion, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and wear on the tire shoulders.
To be honest, I think driving with low tire pressure is too dangerous, especially on highways where the risk doubles. Insufficient tire pressure can cause the tire walls to bend, overheat, or even blow out, while also increasing braking distance and making steering unstable. I once experienced this myself when my tire pressure was 15kpa below the recommended level—the car wobbled right from the start, making me so nervous that I had to pull over to check. I recommend checking tire pressure when the tires are cold, referring to the standard values on the door label or manual, such as the typical 220-250kpa range for sedans. If it’s 10% below the recommended level, you absolutely must inflate the tires before driving—don’t try to save time here. Proper tire pressure improves handling and fuel efficiency while also extending tire life by two to three years. Remember to invest in a good tire pressure gauge for regular self-checks and make it a habit, because safety should always come first.
I usually prefer to save fuel and money. Driving with low tire pressure is purely a waste of money and dangerous. The increased friction resistance leads to significantly higher fuel consumption, approximately 10% more than normal, which wastes fuel costs over time. Tire wear also becomes uneven, causing side cracks to appear faster and accelerating the aging of the suspension due to increased pressure. I check my tire pressure weekly with a tire gauge, and the most accurate reading is when the car is cold. If the pressure is low, I inflate the tires immediately. Don’t think it’s easier to drive to a repair shop—if a tire blows out on the way, the trouble doubles. Remember, temperature changes affect tire pressure. Don’t be lazy when pressure drops in winter or summer. Maintaining proper tire pressure not only saves money but also prevents accidents. Ensuring correct tire pressure before hitting the road is basic safety knowledge.
