What does a tire pressure warning of 1.8 bar mean?
3 Answers
The reason for a tire pressure warning of 1.8 bar is due to prolonged underinflation, which triggers the tire pressure monitoring light. Check if the tire pressure sensor is functioning properly. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Heavier steering wheel and tendency to veer off course, compromising driving safety; Increased movement of tire components, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; Reduced functionality of the cord and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Exponentially increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a rapid rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a sharp decline in strength. High-speed driving may result in a blowout; Increased deformation of the tire body, leading to cracks on the sidewalls and flexing movements, causing excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Solutions for insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate the tire to the normal pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If a puncture is found during inspection, drive to a tire shop promptly for repair and reinflation; If the tire pressure warning reappears after inflation without any punctures, it may be due to air leakage caused by a deformed rim. It is recommended to inspect and replace the rim.
I drive quite often, so when the tire pressure warning shows 1.8 bar, I know it's a serious issue. The normal tire pressure recommended by manufacturers is generally between 2.0 and 2.5 bar, so 1.8 is clearly too low. The warning light indicates that the vehicle's TPMS system is alerting you. Possible causes include a slow leak due to a small nail or stone puncturing the tire, or a sudden temperature drop causing the air to contract. If you encounter this while driving, don't push it—pull over immediately and prioritize safety. Feel the tire to check if it's flat or use a tire pressure gauge to measure. If the pressure remains low, visit a repair shop to refill and inspect. Ignoring it can lead to tire overheating and blowouts, increased fuel consumption, or even compromised handling safety. I've learned that checking tire pressure regularly is a good habit—buy a simple tire pressure gauge and measure it monthly to avoid such sudden alerts.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, a tire pressure drop to 1.8 bar triggering an alarm is no trivial matter. Low pressure typically indicates the tire has been punctured by a sharp object or the rim is damaged and leaking air. The TPMS system will alert you immediately upon detecting abnormalities, prompting you to pull over and address the issue. Continuing to drive under such conditions increases the risk of a blowout, accelerates tire wear, and raises fuel consumption. The safest approach is to gradually slow down to a secure location and manually inspect the tire for leaks. If you lack tools, drive to the nearest repair shop. For prevention, I recommend maintaining tire pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level, usually around 2.2 bar. Tire pressure tends to drop in winter, so check it before heading out to ensure stable pressure and safe driving. Remember, neglecting small issues can lead to major disasters.
