What Does It Mean When the Tire Pressure Indicator Light Comes On?
2 Answers
The tire pressure indicator light coming on can be attributed to four possible reasons: The tire pressure monitoring light may illuminate due to a punctured tire. Sometimes, the tire pressure monitoring light comes on because the tire pressure is too high. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended inflation pressure for passenger car tires is as follows: standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar; reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar; maximum pressure: should not exceed 3.5 bar. If the pressure in one tire is too low, high-speed driving can cause the tire temperature to rise, leading to increased tire pressure. In such cases, it is advisable to stop and rest or replace the tire with a spare. The tire pressure monitoring light may also come on when the tire pressure has been low for an extended period without being refilled. When the pressure drops below 1.8 bar, the light will activate. Therefore, regular checks should be performed to ensure the tire pressure monitor is functioning properly. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread of the tire, shortening its lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overstretches the tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. Sharp objects like nails or glass on the road can easily penetrate the tire, leading to internal cracks or blowouts. Hazards of insufficient tire pressure: Increases friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and deviation, posing safety risks; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving under these conditions may lead to a blowout; Increases tire deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and causing flexing movements that generate excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, hastening shoulder wear.
I encountered the same situation last time I was driving on the highway. The yellow tire pressure warning light indicates that at least one tire has abnormal pressure, which could be either too high or too low. Immediately pull over to a safe area and visually inspect all tires for obvious deflation or bulges. Sudden temperature changes are the most common cause of this issue—just last week, my neighbor's car lost 0.3 in tire pressure due to the temperature drop. If you can't spot any obvious issues, find the nearest auto repair shop to check the tire pressure, as a dealership inspection could cost around 200 yuan. I recommend keeping a portable car air pump on hand—the ones that cost just a few dozen yuan are super handy for emergencies. Incorrect tire pressure not only increases fuel consumption but also causes uneven tire wear. Safety comes first, so don't push your luck.
