What is the appropriate tire pressure below standard in hot weather?
2 Answers
In hot weather, tire pressure should be adjusted to the lower limit of the standard tire pressure for your car. When parked outdoors in summer, the pressure can generally be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to prevent tire blowouts due to high temperatures. Normal tire pressure reference standards: According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, standard tires should have a pressure of around 2.4-2.5 bar, while reinforced tires should be around 2.8-2.9 bar. In winter, the standard tire pressure can be slightly increased by about 0.2 bar. When the car is unloaded or half-loaded, adjust the tire pressure to the lower limit of the standard; when fully loaded, adjust it to the upper limit. On rough roads, it is advisable to reduce the tire pressure by 0.1-0.2 bar from the standard. Daily tire pressure precautions: Most cars are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts drivers to leaks or abnormal tire pressure to ensure driving safety. Pay attention to the tire pressure monitoring light on the dashboard—both excessively low and high tire pressure can affect driving performance and increase tire wear.
In hot weather, I pay special attention to tire pressure because it directly affects driving safety. The standard tire pressure values are usually marked on the door frame or in the user manual, such as 220 to 250 kPa (approximately 31 to 35 PSI). When the temperature rises, the air expands, and the tire pressure naturally increases by about 10%, so there's no need to deliberately lower it. I once experienced a situation where tire pressure exceeding 3 bar in high temperatures could easily lead to tire overheating and blowouts. However, if the pressure is below the standard value, it increases friction, raises fuel consumption, and reduces handling, especially during high-speed turns, which can be dangerous. I always check the tire pressure when the car is cold to ensure it's exactly within the recommended range. Remember, during hot weather, check the tire pressure once a week, preferably in the morning after the car has been parked overnight, as this minimizes errors. Developing this habit can help avoid accidents and also extend the life of the tires.