What does it mean when the tire pressure check light comes on?
2 Answers
Tire pressure check light indicates that the tire pressure of the motor vehicle is insufficient. When vehicle tires are under low pressure, it significantly affects the driving of the motor vehicle. In severe cases, it may lead to tire blowouts. Driving with low tire pressure can also cause excessive tire wear. The effects of over-inflated tires are: 1. Accelerated wear on the central tread pattern, reducing tire lifespan; 2. Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance. The effects of under-inflated tires are: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Increased movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat generation due to excessive rolling.
Tire pressure check is simply measuring whether there's enough air in the tires. I usually make it a habit to use a pressure gauge before driving to see if the reading falls within the recommended range on the door label. If the pressure is too low, the tires deform more when rolling, wear out much faster, and are prone to blowouts. That time I almost had an accident on the highway was caused by underinflated tires. Pressure that's too high isn't good either—it makes driving uncomfortable with a strong bumpy feeling. It's best to check when the tires are cold, meaning the car hasn't been moved for at least three hours after parking, so the reading is accurate. Checking at least once a month can greatly improve safety and even save fuel, reducing fuel waste by about 3%. For someone like me who frequently drives long distances, it's both cost-saving and reassuring.
