What Causes Low Tire Pressure in a New Car?
1 Answers
There are three main reasons why a new car may display low tire pressure: the vehicle has been parked for too long, causing the tire pressure to drop; some manufacturers intentionally reduce tire pressure slightly to prevent high-speed driving; or the tire may be damaged, either due to a factory defect or punctures during use. When a new car's tire pressure warning light comes on, it's essential to carefully inspect the tires for any damage. Hazards of Low Tire Pressure in New Cars: Increased Fuel Consumption: Low tire pressure increases the contact area between the tires and the road, leading to greater friction and higher rolling resistance, which naturally results in higher fuel consumption. Reduced Tire Lifespan: Similarly, the increased contact area accelerates tire wear, shortening the overall lifespan of the tires. Higher Risk of Blowouts: The increased friction causes the tires to heat up, making them softer and weaker. When the tires can no longer support the vehicle's load, especially at high speeds, blowouts become more likely. How to Handle Low Tire Pressure in a New Car: If the low tire pressure is due to a minor leak and the tire can still support driving, proceed slowly to the nearest repair shop. If the tire pressure is too low to continue driving, use an onboard air pump (if available) to inflate the tire slightly or replace it with the spare tire before heading to a nearby repair shop. In such cases, it's best to switch to the spare tire to avoid damaging the wheel rims by driving with low pressure.
