What are the effects of excessive tire pressure on a vehicle?
4 Answers
Excessive tire pressure has the following effects on a vehicle: Reduces driving comfort: When tire pressure is too high, the tires become overly stiff, significantly reducing driving comfort during travel; Compromises driving safety and poses hidden risks: Excessively high tire pressure increases body vibration, reduces the contact area between the tires and the road surface, greatly diminishes tire friction, and affects braking performance. This is particularly dangerous on slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents; Causes deformation of tire cords: Overly high tire pressure leads to excessive stretching and deformation of the tire cords, increasing the load on the vehicle during driving. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks upon impact and leading to a blowout.
Excessive tire pressure is no small matter. When driving, you can feel the tires are stiff, and the braking distance becomes noticeably longer. In case of an emergency, the car might not stop in time, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, the center of the tire wears out too quickly—after just a few thousand kilometers, you can see the middle is worn flat while the sides remain intact. This significantly shortens the tire's lifespan, leading to more frequent replacements and hurting your wallet. Moreover, the ride becomes bumpier, especially over speed bumps or rough roads, making you feel like you're being jolted around, which is particularly uncomfortable on long trips. Even more dangerous is that high tire pressure increases the risk of a blowout in hot weather. I once nearly experienced this on the highway and was lucky to slow down in time. Therefore, it's recommended to check your tire pressure monthly with a tire gauge and ensure it doesn’t exceed the manufacturer's recommended value, usually labeled on the door frame or in the manual. Keeping it at a moderate level is the safest approach.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I find that excessively high tire pressure is most annoying because it affects driving comfort. The car bounces around like a roller coaster, making passengers prone to motion sickness. Especially when traveling with family, the kids keep complaining in the back seat, ruining the entire trip. Additionally, uneven tire wear occurs, with the center wearing out much faster. After just six months, I noticed the treads were already shallow, forcing me to replace the tires prematurely and wasting money. Handling also deteriorates—during turns, the tires feel like they lack grip and are more prone to slipping, which is even more dangerous in the rain. My advice is to check tire pressure when refueling and avoid overinflating for convenience. The ideal range is usually between 2.2 and 2.5 bar, adjusted based on the vehicle model. Remember, while high tire pressure might save a bit of fuel, the overall drawbacks outweigh the benefits—safety comes first.
Excessive tire pressure accelerates wear at the center of the tire, shortening its lifespan. It also leads to poorer handling and unstable cornering. Braking distance increases, raising the risk factor. The ride becomes bumpy, reducing comfort. High temperatures can easily cause a blowout. It is recommended to check tire pressure regularly and maintain a moderate value, referring to the vehicle manual. A simple tire pressure gauge can be used for measurement—don’t overlook this small detail.
