What Causes Sudden Tire Pressure Drop to 160?
2 Answers
The sudden drop in tire pressure to 160 may be caused by a punctured tire. Check for screws or nails that might have caused air leakage. Another possibility is a leaking valve stem, which can be identified by applying soapy water to the tire to locate the leak. Additionally, tire aging could be the reason; inspect the sidewalls for cracks to determine the extent of wear. Hazards of Overinflated Tires: Reduced friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and misalignment, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates uneven wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overstretches tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing driving load; Decreases puncture resistance, making tires more susceptible to damage from sharp objects like nails or glass, leading to internal cracks or blowouts. Hazards of Underinflated Tires: Increases friction with the road surface, raising fuel consumption; Makes steering heavier and prone to misalignment, compromising safety; Increases movement within tire components, causing abnormal heat buildup; Weakens cord and rubber functionality, leading to delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, damaging the bead area; Multiplies ground friction, sharply raising tire temperature and softening the rubber, drastically reducing strength. High-speed driving may cause blowouts; Increases tire deformation, causing sidewall cracks and excessive flexing, leading to overheating, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and accelerated shoulder wear.
The other day when I was driving, the dashboard suddenly showed the tire pressure dropping to 160, which made me a bit nervous. The sudden temperature drop might have caused the tires to contract, like during autumn when there's a big temperature difference between morning and evening, or there could be a slow leak from a small puncture gradually releasing air. It's also possible that the tire pressure sensor malfunctioned and displayed an incorrect reading. I remember encountering a similar situation last winter - at that time, the tires were checked and nothing was punctured; it turned out the valve core was loose, and tightening it restored normal pressure. Don't underestimate this change - low tire pressure affects handling and increases the risk of a blowout in emergencies. So when you see the warning, pull over immediately to check, use a tire pressure gauge to measure the actual value, and don't rely solely on the dashboard. It's best to regularly check valves and sensors during car maintenance, and add a bit more air before the weather turns cold to ensure a steady and safe drive.