Should Low Tire Pressure Warning in Cars Be Addressed Immediately?
2 Answers
When a car alerts you to low tire pressure, it is necessary to address the issue immediately. Find a safe place to pull over and place a yellow warning triangle behind the vehicle to alert other drivers and prevent accidents. Tire pressure, strictly speaking, refers to the air pressure inside the tires. In terms of car maintenance, the engine is the heart of the car—its failure can lead to the end of the car's life. Similarly, tire pressure is like the blood pressure of the car, and its level plays a crucial role in the vehicle's performance and power. Air pressure is the lifeline of tires; both too high and too low pressure will shorten the tire's lifespan. Low pressure increases tire deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and causing excessive flexing, which leads to overheating, rubber aging, fatigue in the fabric layers, and even broken cords. It also increases the tire's contact area with the road, accelerating wear on the tire shoulders. High pressure, on the other hand, overstretches the tire cords, reducing the tire's elasticity and increasing the load on the car while driving. This can cause internal cracks or blowouts upon impact, while also accelerating tread wear and reducing puncture resistance.
As a driver who frequently travels on highways, I must emphasize that you should never take low tire pressure lightly. I remember one time when my dashboard warning light came on, but I didn't address it immediately. As a result, I experienced unstable handling during a turn and nearly had an accident. Since then, I've developed a habit: whenever the tire pressure warning sounds, I slow down and pull over to check. Low tire pressure not only accelerates tire wear and increases fuel consumption but may also cause blowouts at high speeds. My suggestion is to first check the tire pressure yourself using a simple tire pressure gauge (you can buy one cheaply online) to measure each tire's pressure. If it's slightly low, you can drive to a nearby gas station for free inflation. However, if the pressure is too low or continues to drop, it indicates there might be a leak, and you must stop and wait for assistance or go directly to a repair shop. Safety is no small matter—don't let minor issues escalate into major disasters. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure before every drive is also a good practice.
