What happens if one tire pressure is too high?
2 Answers
The effects of excessive tire pressure include: 1. Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance and shortening tire lifespan; 2. Decreased puncture resistance, increasing the risk of blowouts; 3. Accelerated wear on the central tread pattern, reducing tire life while increasing vehicle vibration, which indirectly affects other components' durability; 4. Excessive stretching deformation of tire steel cords, reducing carcass elasticity. This increases the load during driving and weakens impact resistance, making tires more vulnerable to penetration by sharp objects like nails or glass shards, potentially causing internal cracks, ruptures, and blowouts.
Having driven for over a decade, I've realized that excessive tire pressure is genuinely hazardous. The tires become harder, reducing the contact area with the road, which diminishes grip, making the car prone to skidding in rainy conditions or sharp turns. Additionally, braking distance significantly increases, making it harder to control the direction. More critically, high tire pressure puts excessive stress on the center of the tire, damaging its internal structure over time and increasing the risk of a blowout, which is especially dangerous on highways. I remember one summer when I was on a long-distance trip with overinflated tires—the car was bouncing so much that I had to pull over immediately to check. I recommend using a tire pressure gauge monthly to maintain the manufacturer's recommended range, typically between 30-35 psi. Tire pressure changes with the seasons, so adjustments should be made according to the weather—safety first. Also, during regular maintenance, have a technician check it; don’t overlook this detail for the sake of convenience.
