What does pressure loss mean? Does it affect driving?
3 Answers
Automotive pressure loss refers to abnormal tire pressure. Generally, the tire pressure monitoring system will only alert the driver when the tire pressure drops to the minimum pressure limit. However, if there is no inflation equipment available, the vehicle can still be driven to the nearest repair shop or 4S store for inflation. Tire Pressure Monitoring: Tire pressure monitoring can currently be divided into two main types: direct and indirect. Regardless of the type, the tire pressure monitoring system presents the tire pressure in specific numbers or states to the driver through the combination instrument. It also alerts the driver when the tire pressure is too high or too low, or when the tire temperature is excessively high. Impact of Tire Pressure on Vehicle Driving: If the tire pressure is too high, the contact area between the tire tread and the ground decreases, which affects braking performance. It can also cause abnormal bumps during driving, affecting driving comfort. Additionally, the wear on the tire tread will be abnormally concentrated in the middle. If the tire pressure is too low, the contact area between the tire tread and the ground increases, leading to higher rolling resistance and increased fuel consumption. The wear on the tire tread will also be abnormally concentrated on both sides. In severe cases, it can cause the tire to develop standing waves, directly increasing the risk of a blowout.
The most common pressure loss in cars is insufficient tire pressure, meaning the tire pressure is lower than the manufacturer's recommended value, which definitely affects driving. When tires are underinflated, rolling resistance increases, steering becomes heavier, and braking distance lengthens, especially making it prone to losing control during high-speed cornering. I've seen many car owners forget to check tire pressure before long summer trips, resulting in uneven wear on the tire shoulders and severe misalignment. It's best to use a tire pressure gauge to measure all four tires once a month, maintaining the values indicated on the door frame label, and don't neglect the spare tire either. Long-term low tire pressure not only wastes fuel but also shortens tire life by at least one-third. Wheel rim deformation is even more troublesome, as replacing a set costs quite a bit of money.
Never underestimate pressure loss while driving. When the engine oil pressure drops, the dashboard will light up a red warning, and insufficient lubrication can lead to cylinder scoring. A dirty air filter can cause intake pressure loss, making acceleration noticeably sluggish. The most common issue, however, is tire pressure. Last time, my friend had a slow leak from a nail in the tire, and the pressure dropped to 1.5 bar—the car wobbled like a boat, and the wheels made a loud clunk over speed bumps. Nowadays, new cars come with tire pressure monitoring, but older cars can also use an affordable external sensor. It's best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, as hot tires can show readings about 0.2 bar higher.
