What Causes Insufficient Tire Pressure in Cars?
2 Answers
Damage to the car tire or slow air leakage from the car tire. Precautions for tire inflation: Always use a pressure gauge to check the pressure to avoid over-inflation, which can cause the tire to burst. After stopping the vehicle, wait for the tire to cool down before inflating, as driving increases tire temperature, affecting pressure. Check the valve stem. If the valve stem and valve core are not properly aligned, with protrusions, depressions, or other defects, it will be difficult to inflate and measure pressure. Ensure cleanliness during inflation. The air being pumped in must not contain moisture or oil, as this can deteriorate and damage the inner tube rubber. Do not exceed the standard pressure excessively and then release air, nor should you over-inflate after being unable to inflate for a long time while traveling. Exceeding the standard pressure too much can overstretch the cords, reducing their strength and affecting the tire's lifespan. Before inflating, clean any dust from the valve stem and avoid loosening the valve core. After inflating, apply soapy water (or saliva) to the valve stem to check for leaks (small bubbles will form if there is a leak). Ensure the valve cap is properly fitted and tightened to prevent dirt from entering the valve stem. When inflating radial tires, due to their structure, their sinking amount and contact area are larger, often leading to the misconception that they are under-inflated, resulting in over-inflation. Conversely, because their sinking amount and contact area are naturally larger, low pressure may be mistaken for adequate inflation. Always use a standard pressure gauge to measure. The inflation pressure for radial tires should be 0.5-1.5 kg/cm² higher than that for regular tires. The pressure gauges in vehicles or those used in tire shops should be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate pressure checks.
Insufficient tire pressure is quite common. I've encountered it frequently over my decade of driving. There are three main causes: First, natural air leakage - tires can't be completely airtight and naturally lose 1-2 psi per month. Regular monthly checks like mine allow timely top-ups. Second, punctures from nails or damaged valve cores - my right rear tire got hit last time, making the steering feel noticeably floaty. Third, temperature changes - pressure drops fast in winter while summer brings overinflation risks. I recommend keeping a portable tire gauge in the glovebox and checking during car washes. If below the manufacturer's recommended level (usually on the door jamb sticker), refill immediately. Low pressure is especially dangerous at highway speeds - increasing blowout risks and fuel consumption by 5%.
