What Causes Excessive Tire Pressure?
3 Answers
The reasons for excessive tire pressure are: 1. Over-inflation of tires leading to high pressure; 2. Hot weather causing gas expansion and increased pressure; 3. Prolonged driving generating friction heat, resulting in higher pressure; 4. Aging and wear of suspension components related to wheels causing misalignment, uneven wear, increased temperature, and higher tire pressure. Effects of excessive tire pressure: 1. Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; 2. Steering wheel vibration and deviation, decreasing driving comfort; 3. Accelerated wear of central tread patterns, shortening tire lifespan; 4. Increased vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting other components' longevity; 5. Excessive stretching deformation of tire cords, reduced elasticity, and increased load during driving; 6. Decreased resistance to punctures.
In our auto repair practice, overinflated tires are all too common, primarily due to human oversight. For instance, when you inflate your tires at a gas station, rushing or failing to check the gauge can lead to overinflation—thinking the pressure is just right before driving off. Another factor is temperature; tires expand when heated under the summer sun, naturally increasing the pressure. Some drivers intentionally overinflate, believing it saves fuel, but this is hazardous, causing the tire's center to wear out too quickly or even leading to a blowout. I recommend making it a habit to check tire pressure when cold, adjusting to the manufacturer's recommended value without exceeding the upper limit. Remember, abnormal tire pressure also affects braking performance, increasing the risk of skidding, especially in rainy conditions. Regular checks ensure safety and peace of mind.
During that long road trip I took, I ran the air conditioning for half a day in hot weather. When I stopped, I noticed the tire pressure warning light was on—turns out the pressure was too high. Looking back, I had inflated the tires when it was very cold and added extra air to prevent underinflation, but when temperatures rose, the pressure skyrocketed. Common causes include incorrect inflation, rising temperatures, or using the wrong air pump settings. Prolonged overinflation leads to excessive wear in the center of the tire, shortening its lifespan and costing unnecessary money on replacements. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson—now I always check with a handheld pressure gauge before heading out, keeping it within the recommended range. Much safer now.
