What Happens When the Tire Pressure Differs by 10?
2 Answers
A difference of 10 kPa in tire pressure between the left and right tires is within the normal range. If the difference exceeds 10 kPa, the car may experience pulling or swaying. According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures for different types of tires are as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5 bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9 bar; Maximum pressure: Should not exceed 3.5 bar. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and pulling, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overextends the tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the car during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. Sharp objects like nails or glass on the road can easily penetrate the tire, leading to internal cracks, blowouts, or even tire bursts.
A tire pressure difference of 10 units (e.g., 10 psi) makes the car noticeably unstable to drive. I experienced this once—the steering wheel kept pulling toward the side with lower pressure, making turns laborious and dangerous, especially at high speeds when road conditions became chaotic. Losing control in such situations could easily lead to an accident. Over time, the overinflated tire wears thin in the center, while the underinflated one damages its edges faster, leading to premature wear and costly replacements. Fuel efficiency also drops, burning more gas and straining the wallet. Regularly checking tire pressure is crucial. I use a portable pump to adjust it myself—keeping the difference minimal reduces issues. Safety first—never take it lightly.
