Should New Tires Be Inflated to a Higher Pressure?
3 Answers
No, tire pressure should be maintained within the normal range. What is the standard tire pressure: According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures for different types of tires are as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar; Maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5 bar. Related question: Is a tire pressure of 2.0 bar normal? No. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the standard tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5 bar. A pressure of 2.0 bar is below the minimum recommended value, 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 for the vehicle, with an appropriate increase of about 0.2 bar. What is the normal tire pressure in summer? Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure for the vehicle is sufficient. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4 bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to prevent blowouts due to high temperatures.
I usually pay close attention to car maintenance, and there's no need to deliberately inflate new tires to a higher pressure. Many beginners tend to think higher pressure is better, but this is actually wrong. Based on my years of driving experience, tire pressure should be set strictly according to the values recommended in the vehicle's manual or the label on the door frame—both too high and too low can cause problems. If the pressure is too high, the center of the tire wears out faster, the ride feels bumpy and uncomfortable, and it increases the risk of skidding, especially on rough roads. If the pressure is too low, the sides of the tire wear out quickly, fuel consumption increases, and in severe cases, it can even lead to a blowout. It's normal for new tires to have slightly higher pressure from the factory due to transportation reasons, but after installation, it's best to check the pressure gauge when the tires are cold and adjust it to the manufacturer's standard. I check the tire pressure every two weeks to ensure it's around 2.3-2.5 bar (depending on the car model), which helps the tires last longer, ensuring both safety and cost savings.
As a practical-minded car owner, I believe there's no need to inflate new tires to higher pressure. This relates to my driving habits—I prioritize fuel economy. Overinflated tires reduce the contact patch, which actually increases fuel consumption on highways, wasting money in the long run; underinflated tires create more rolling resistance and also consume more fuel. The manufacturer's recommended pressure, usually labeled near the door frame, typically falls within the 2.2-2.4 bar range—new tires should be adjusted directly to that value without overinflation. From my experience, many shops inflate them slightly higher to compensate for air leakage, but you'll need to readjust after purchase. I use a simple tire pressure gauge to check weekly, especially during seasonal transitions—for every 10°C temperature change, tire pressure fluctuates by about 0.1 bar. Timely adjustments prevent potential hazards while maintaining smooth driving, which can extend tire lifespan by 20-30%.
