What are the effects of insufficient tire pressure?
3 Answers
The effects of insufficient tire pressure: 1. The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. It causes the steering wheel to become heavy and prone to deviation, among other factors detrimental to driving safety; 3. It increases the movement of various parts of the tire, resulting in abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; 4. It reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; 5. The friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature; 6. The tire becomes soft, and its strength drastically decreases; 7. High-speed driving may lead to a tire blowout.
What worries me most about insufficient tire pressure is the safety issue. I often encounter this situation while driving, especially on highways. It causes the tires to overheat, increasing the risk of a blowout, which can be fatal at high speeds. Additionally, braking distance becomes longer, and sometimes the car is more prone to skidding on slippery roads. From my experience, if the tires are too soft, the car may lose control during turns, raising the chance of an accident. Even worse, it can affect the suspension system, potentially causing long-term damage to components. I always check the tire pressure before heading out to ensure safety first, otherwise, the consequences could be unthinkable, especially when traveling with family.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I find that underinflated tires can significantly impact my wallet. Firstly, it increases fuel consumption because the greater tire deformation leads to higher rolling resistance, potentially raising fuel usage by 20%—I've personally tested this and found that the money saved from a few tanks of gas could cover the cost of inflation. Secondly, uneven tire wear occurs, especially premature wear on the shoulder areas, cutting short the lifespan of a new tire that could otherwise last several years, effectively doubling maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, driving becomes less stable, requiring more throttle input, which over time can also affect the engine. Now, I regularly check my tire pressure—it saves fuel and is environmentally friendly, killing two birds with one stone.
