Is it safe to drive with low tire pressure?
2 Answers
It is not safe to drive with low tire pressure. The hazards of low tire pressure include: 1. Causing heavy steering and easy deviation, affecting driving safety; 2. Reducing the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage; 3. Excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area; 4. Increased friction between the tire and the ground, raising tire temperature, softening the tire, and reducing its strength, which can lead to a blowout during high-speed driving. The functions of tires are: 1. Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load; 2. Transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring adhesion between the wheels and the road; 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components; 4. Adapting to the high-speed performance of the vehicle and reducing driving noise, ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long trips, I honestly don't recommend driving with low tire pressure. Tires are the feet of your car, and insufficient pressure can cause them to deform and bear excessive stress, leading to overheating and blowouts on highways—especially dangerous in extreme weather like rain or snow, with significantly reduced grip. The car becomes unstable when turning and harder to control. Once, I rushed out without inflating the tires, only to end up with severe sidewall wear and cracks, costing hundreds in repairs and nearly causing an accident. So, if you notice low tire pressure, immediately find a service area to inflate or pull over to change to the spare tire. Develop the habit of checking tire pressure against the standard values on the door placard before driving. Don't push through long distances—safety is far more important.
