What are the consequences of low tire pressure?
2 Answers
The hazards of low tire pressure are as follows: 1. Increased road friction coefficient, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Heavier steering wheel, prone to deviation, which is not conducive to driving safety; 3. Increased movement of various parts of the tire, excessive movement can easily cause abnormal tire heating; 4. Reduced performance of cords and rubber, cord breakage and delamination or excessive friction between the rim, causing bead damage and abnormal wear; 5. Increased friction between the tire and the ground, rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and decreased strength, which may lead to tire blowout; 6. Too low tire pressure increases the deformation of the tire body, causing sidewall cracks, flexing movement, resulting in overheating, rubber aging, accelerated shoulder wear, and shortened tire lifespan.
I remember once on a long-distance trip, low tire pressure nearly caused an accident - the car was shaking badly and guzzling fuel. Insufficient pressure deforms the tire contact patch, increasing rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and skyrockets fuel consumption. Worse yet, it causes uneven tire wear where the shoulder areas deteriorate first, shortening lifespan while dramatically increasing blowout risks - especially dangerous during emergency braking at high speeds with extended stopping distances that could lead to loss of control. Since that lesson, I've made it a weekly habit to check pressures using a basic $10 gauge, being extra vigilant during summer heat when pressures fluctuate more. Never underestimate this issue - it hits both your wallet and safety hard.
