What is the appropriate tire pressure in summer?
4 Answers
In summer, the appropriate tire pressure generally ranges between 2.2 and 2.5 kilopascals. In spring, when the temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, the tire pressure is usually maintained between 2.3 and 2.5 kilopascals. However, as the temperature and road surface temperature gradually rise, especially during high-speed or long-distance driving, the tire pressure can easily increase, which may lead to tire blowouts. For safety reasons, it is advisable to stop and reduce the tire pressure in such situations. Excessive tire pressure reduces the contact area between the tire and the ground, leading to a significant increase in pressure and wear per unit area, which can result in brake failure, tire blowouts when encountering road protrusions or depressions, damage to the vehicle's suspension system, and discomfort during rides. Insufficient tire pressure increases the contact area between the tire and the ground, causing abnormal increases in tire temperature during driving.
I think special attention should be paid to tire pressure safety in summer. With years of driving experience, I often check the tire pressure before heading out in the morning during hot seasons, referring to the recommended cold tire pressure value in the vehicle manual. Don't blindly increase the pressure just because it's hot. Overinflated tires increase the risk of blowouts, especially during high-speed driving; underinflation leads to faster tire wear and may also increase fuel consumption. From personal experience, I generally maintain it around 30-35 PSI, but it's not a fixed value—my car's door frame indicates 32 PSI, so I stick to that. Regular checks, about every two weeks with a tire pressure gauge, can ensure smooth vehicle operation and reduce accidents. This is not only for driving safety but also a small trick to extend tire life. Thermal expansion and contraction are very noticeable in summer, so measuring in the cold state is the most accurate.
From a driving habits perspective, maintaining stable tire pressure is crucial in summer. I prefer checking tire pressure when the tires are cold in the garage, strictly following the recommended values in the vehicle manual without exceeding them. As temperatures rise, tire pressure naturally increases—too high and the tires become stiff, compromising grip; too low accelerates wear and reduces fuel efficiency. Personally, I've experimented with pressures slightly below the recommended value by 5%, but never recklessly. The benefits are numerous: safety comes first, preventing blowouts while also saving fuel and money. I recommend checking monthly—it's convenient and practical with the right tools—don't wait for problems to arise before paying attention.
Summer tire pressure should follow the manufacturer's standards. I know high temperatures can increase tire pressure, but don't adjust it too high. Just maintain the recommended cold tire pressure value, usually found on the door sticker. Too high risks a blowout, too low wears tires faster. I always pay attention to this when driving—safety first. Regular checks will do the trick.
