What is the appropriate tire pressure for long-term parking of a car?
2 Answers
If the car is not used for a long time, it is best to increase the tire pressure slightly to prevent tire deformation and ensure usability. The front and rear tire pressure should be increased to 2.8-3.0 bar. 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; The maximum pressure should not exceed 3.5 bar. Normal tire pressure in winter: In winter, the tire pressure should be based on the standard tire pressure of the car, with an appropriate increase of about 0.2 bar. Normal tire pressure in summer: Generally, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure is sufficient. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4 bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to prevent tire blowouts due to high temperatures.
A few days ago, my neighbor went on a six-month business trip and asked me to look after his car. I specifically researched this issue. The manufacturer-recommended tire pressure is usually marked on the door frame, but for long-term parking, an additional 10%-25% pressure is needed. My neighbor’s SUV originally recommended 33 psi, so I inflated it to 42 psi. The part of the tire in contact with the ground is prone to developing flat spots, and higher pressure helps support the sidewalls. In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, an extra 5 psi is needed to counteract thermal contraction, but in summer, avoid adjusting tire pressure at midday. I once saw a car parked for three years—tires at 25 psi had sidewalls full of cracks, while those at 38 psi were in much better condition. Remember to remove small stones stuck in the tire treads, as they can deform the rubber. It’s best to move the car a few centimeters each month to distribute the load on different parts of the tires. If that’s too much trouble, at least top up the air every two months.
