What are the reasons for different tire pressures in four tires?
3 Answers
The reasons for different tire pressures in four tires are insufficient tire pressure or uneven tire pressure between the left and right sides, which increases the contact area between the tires and the ground, increases friction and lateral steering resistance, exacerbates tire wear, and causes heavy steering. Tire pressure refers to the pressure of the air inside the tire. The hazards of excessive tire pressure: 1. The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; 2. It will cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; 3. Accelerate the local wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, reducing tire life; 4. The vibration of the car body increases, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components.
Having driven for many years, I often encounter uneven tire pressure, which can be attributed to various reasons. The most common cause is tire leakage, such as a nail puncture or minor damage to a tire, leading to slow air loss and lower pressure. Temperature fluctuations also play a significant role, especially during seasons with large day-night temperature differences. Tires parked in the sun heat up faster, causing their pressure to rise more than those in the shade, resulting in unevenness. Additionally, uneven weight distribution in the car, like having passengers in the back or a fully loaded trunk, increases the load on the rear tires, raising their pressure. Lastly, inaccurate pressure gauges or failure to check all tires evenly during the last inflation are common human errors. Significant pressure differences can lead to unstable vehicle handling, steering drift, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it's advisable to check the tire pressure monthly with a reliable gauge and address any issues promptly by adding air or repairing the tires.
I remember after a long trip, the four tires had noticeably different pressures. Upon closer inspection, I found that the valve cores had aged, with two of them leaking slowly due to poor sealing. Temperature changes also played a role—the pressures seemed even when measured in the cool morning, but by midday when it got hotter, the tires exposed to more sunlight showed a significant pressure increase. Uneven load distribution exacerbated the issue, with just me in the front seat but the trunk packed full of luggage, causing higher pressure in the rear tires. This situation wasn’t just uncomfortable—it made the car prone to pulling to one side, increased braking distance, and raised safety risks. I recommend regularly checking tire conditions when parked, measuring pressure after refueling, using a digital gauge to avoid errors, and addressing small issues before they turn into major repairs.
