Should the tire pressure be higher when fully loaded?
2 Answers
Fully loaded tire pressure should be higher. Although rolling resistance is significantly reduced and vehicle fuel consumption is noticeably decreased, the contact area between the tire and the ground is reduced. Effects of low tire pressure: Low tire pressure increases tire body deformation, leading to cracks on the tire sidewalls. It also causes flexing movements, resulting in excessive heat generation, which accelerates rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and breakage of the cords. Additionally, it increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating wear on the tire shoulders. Effects of high tire pressure: Excessive tire pressure causes overextension and deformation of the tire cords, reducing the tire body's elasticity. This increases the load on the vehicle during driving, and impacts may lead to internal cracks or blowouts. Moreover, high tire pressure accelerates tread wear and reduces puncture resistance.
I remember when I was younger, I often took my family on road trips. When the car was fully loaded, it was safer to increase the tire pressure a bit. The standard tire pressure is the recommended value for an empty car, but when it's packed with people and luggage, the car becomes heavier, and the tires bear more pressure. If the tire pressure isn't increased, the tires become too soft, making the drive unstable and increasing the risk of a blowout. The manual usually specifies the tire pressure for different loads, such as 30 PSI when empty and increasing to 32-35 PSI when fully loaded. Before every long-distance trip, I check the cold tire pressure with a tire gauge and adjust it slightly higher according to the manual. This not only ensures a stable drive but also reduces tire wear and improves fuel efficiency. It's best to make this a habit rather than waiting until problems arise when fully loaded. The essence of safe driving lies in the details.