What is the best tire pressure for summer tires?
2 Answers
The optimal tire pressure for summer tires is 2.4bar. Here are some key points about tire pressure: 1. Underinflation: This increases tire body deformation, leading to cracks on the sidewalls and excessive flexing movement. It causes overheating, accelerates rubber aging, fatigues the cord ply, and may break the cords. It also increases the tire's contact area with the road, accelerating shoulder wear. 2. Overinflation: This overextends the tire cords, reducing the tire body's elasticity and increasing the vehicle's load during driving. It may cause internal cracks or blowouts upon impact. Overinflation also accelerates tread wear and reduces puncture resistance.
I've driven quite a few cars and accumulated some experience regarding summer tire pressure. The key is to follow the manufacturer's recommended value, usually found on the driver's door pillar or in the glove compartment manual. For example, most small cars typically range between 32 to 35 PSI. However, in summer when temperatures are high, tire pressure can easily rise by about 1-2 PSI. Excessive pressure increases the risk of a blowout, especially during long-distance high-speed driving. Safety first—I recommend checking the tires when they're cold, meaning after the car has been parked overnight, preferably in the morning. It's okay to have the pressure slightly below the recommended value, say 1 PSI lower, but don't reduce it too much, as it can lead to poor handling and uneven tire wear. The type of tire itself is also important. Summer-specific tires are designed to withstand heat, but if they're old, they should be replaced promptly. Make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly using a simple tire gauge to prevent problems before they arise.
