What Causes Low Tire Pressure in Cars?
2 Answers
Reasons for low tire pressure in cars: 1. Low temperature; 2. Air leakage in the tire; 3. Debris or improper installation of the tire edge with the wheel hub. The hazards of low tire pressure include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Causes the steering wheel to become heavy and prone to deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; 3. Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, resulting in abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; 4. The friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a rapid decrease in strength; 5. Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and causes excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage and abnormal wear at the tire bead area.
I've been driving to and from work for nearly a decade, and I often encounter issues with low tire pressure. The main causes include slow leaks from nails or glass shards puncturing the tires on the road, or air contraction due to colder weather leading to pressure drops. Just last week, I fell victim to this when the tire pressure warning light came on. Upon inspection, I found that the valve core was loose and not sealing properly, resulting in a pressure drop of over 10 PSI. In fact, as tires age, the rubber hardens and develops micro-cracks, which is another common cause. It's important to regularly check tire wear conditions. Insufficient tire pressure not only makes the steering feel loose, increasing the risk of losing control, but also raises rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. I recommend using a portable tire pressure gauge at least once a month to check and maintain the manufacturer-recommended pressure when the tires are cold. This ensures a safer and more worry-free driving experience.
