What is the minimum tire pressure that should not be lower than?
4 Answers
Tire pressure below 1.7bar is not safe for driving. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire. The level of tire pressure plays a crucial role in the performance and power of the vehicle. There is no exact numerical regulation specifying how low the tire pressure can go before it becomes unsafe, but it is best not to go below the manufacturer's recommended value, which is generally 2.2-2.5bar. Additional Information: Note 1: The manufacturer's recommended tire pressure can usually be found in the vehicle's user manual or near the door (B-pillar or C-pillar). Low tire pressure can cause significant damage. Firstly, the tire's own motion friction coefficient increases, the contact patch becomes flatter, and there is a movement process between the normal condition of the non-contact patch, causing the tire to not run in a perfect circle, leading to an increase in tire temperature. Secondly, low tire pressure increases the deformation of the tire body, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracking and causing flexing motion, which leads to excessive heat generation, rubber aging, fatigue in the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area, accelerating wear on the tire shoulders, which can result in a blowout. Note 2: Tire pressure is an important factor affecting tire lifespan and fuel economy. Choosing an unreasonable tire pressure can cause power cycling, increasing tire wear and reducing lifespan. Considering the impact on vehicle performance, it is essential to select the appropriate tire pressure to extend tire life and improve fuel economy.
I believe that tire pressure should never go below the manufacturer's recommended value, which is usually found in the vehicle manual or on the driver's side door pillar label. For most cars, it ranges between 28 to 35 PSI. Below this threshold, the risk increases significantly, as the tire is prone to excessive deformation and overheating, leading to blowouts—especially dangerous at high speeds. I personally experienced this when driving with tire pressure below 25 PSI; the car body shook violently, the steering became hard to control, and it nearly caused an accident. Therefore, I strongly recommend that car owners develop the habit of checking tire pressure weekly with a simple gauge, preferably in the morning when the tires are cold for accurate readings. Don't skimp on this to save money—low pressure also increases fuel consumption and tire wear. Saving a little air in the short term will cost you more in the long run.
From a cost-saving perspective, low tire pressure is truly uneconomical. The minimum value shouldn't fall below around 30 PSI, depending on your vehicle model. When underinflated, tire resistance increases significantly, leading to noticeably higher fuel consumption - my personal experience shows driving with low tire pressure can add over 1 liter per 100 kilometers. Over time, these fuel costs accumulate while tires wear out rapidly, requiring premature replacement. That's why I now check tire pressure monthly, maintaining it at recommended levels to extend lifespan and reduce expenses. It's simple: invest in an affordable digital pressure gauge for accurate cold tire measurements. Additionally, low pressure compromises handling, making turns and braking less stable, thereby increasing risks.
I've checked tire pressure many times. The minimum should not be lower than the PSI marked on the door pillar, usually around 30. If it's too low, the tires heat up quickly and the risk of a blowout increases significantly. Prepare a tire pressure gauge and measure it in the morning when the car is cold. If it's low, inflate it immediately—just use the free air pumps at gas stations. Don't forget to check the spare tire as well. Driving with low tire pressure feels sluggish, the steering becomes heavy, and the noise increases. Make it a habit to check once a month—it's simple and ensures safety.
