What does it mean when the tire pressure light comes on?
2 Answers
The tire pressure light usually comes on due to either low tire pressure or high tire pressure. In such cases, it is necessary to inspect the tires and adjust the air pressure. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and tendencies to veer, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracking, while generating flexing motion that leads to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
Last time my tire pressure warning light came on, I was a bit panicked, but I learned a lot from the experience. Actually, this situation is quite common, usually caused by low tire pressure. It could be due to a leak in one of the tires, like from a nail puncture, or because of a sudden drop in temperature causing the air to contract and pressure to decrease. Some cars also have tire pressure sensors, and if the sensor malfunctions, it might trigger a false warning. I remember I quickly found a safe place to pull over, used a portable tire pressure gauge to check each tire, and found that the right front tire was significantly low. I then went to a nearby air station to top it up. Later, I took it to a repair shop for inspection, and sure enough, there was a small leak—replacing the valve stem fixed the issue. I recommend everyone keep a tire pressure gauge in their car and check regularly, especially during seasonal changes. This can prevent a lot of trouble, save fuel, and improve safety.
