What is the appropriate tire pressure for small cars?
2 Answers
Small car tire pressure between 2.2-2.5 bar is the normal standard. Here is an introduction about tire pressure: 1. Normal range: The normal tire pressure is suitable between 2.3~2.7 BAR. However, in summer when temperatures are high, after the car is driven, it may rise above 3.0 BAR, so the summer tire pressure value is more appropriate between 2.3~2.5 BAR. 2. Over-inflation: The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; causing steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; accelerating localized wear of the tread center pattern, shortening tire life; increasing body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; when encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, and impacts can cause internal cracks and blowouts, leading to tire bursts. 3. Under-inflation: The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; causing heavy steering and deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; increasing the movement of various parts of the tire, resulting in abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; the friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength, which can lead to tire bursts during high-speed driving; under-inflation increases tire body deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracks, and generates flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and breakage of the cords, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
When I first bought my car, I didn't know much about tire pressure either, so I later specifically asked a senior technician at the 4S shop. He said that for regular sedans, inflating to 2.3 to 2.5 bar when the tires are cold is the safest, depending on the specific model. I usually check the original label on the fuel cap or the inside of the driver's door frame—my compact car indicates 2.2 bar for the front tires and 2.3 bar for the rear. In summer, I reduce the pressure to 2.3 before driving in high temperatures to prevent blowouts from thermal expansion. In winter, I increase it to 2.5 to avoid excessive fuel consumption due to low pressure. I always check before hitting the highway, and when fully loaded, I add an extra 0.1 bar to reduce bumpiness on gravel roads. Using a mechanical gauge to measure tire pressure once a month is more reliable than relying solely on electronic tire pressure monitoring. If the raised tread patterns on the tire sidewalls are nearly worn out, I replace the tires immediately—it's a major safety concern.
