What does insufficient tire pressure mean?
2 Answers
Insufficient tire pressure means the tire pressure is too low and needs to be inflated. Solutions for insufficient tire pressure: You can use a tire pressure gauge to measure it. If the tire is leaking, inflate it to the proper pressure and then observe the tire pressure warning light. If it lights up again after a few days, the tire should be removed for inspection. If this situation occurs while driving, you should stop and rest or replace the tire with a spare one. Hazards of low tire pressure: Low tire pressure will increase tire deformation and make the sidewalls prone to cracking. It also causes excessive flexing, leading to overheating, rubber aging, fabric layer fatigue, and cord breakage. Additionally, it increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
Recently, I've noticed that the steering wheel feels a bit floaty while driving, and the car seems to consume more fuel than before. Later, I found out it was due to insufficient tire pressure, meaning the air pressure inside the tires was below the recommended value. For example, my car recommends 35 PSI, but it was actually only 25. This usually happens because of slow leaks or air contraction due to temperature changes, which can lead to increased tire wear, higher fuel consumption, and poorer handling. In severe cases, it might even cause a tire blowout, posing a safety risk. I suggest checking the tire pressure every one or two weeks; a simple pressure gauge will do the trick. Don't ignore small issues to avoid bigger problems. By the way, the unit PSI stands for pounds per square inch, which is roughly 240 kPa in the metric system. Maintaining the correct pressure range can extend tire life and even save you some money on fuel.
