What is the normal pressure difference between the four tires of a car?
3 Answers
It is normal for the tire pressure of a car's four tires to differ by 0.1 bar. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tires, and the level of tire pressure plays a crucial role in the performance and power of the vehicle. Tires are rolling objects mounted on various vehicles or machinery that come into contact with the ground. According to their usage, tires can be categorized into: passenger car tires, light truck tires, construction machinery tires, off-road vehicle tires, and agricultural and forestry machinery tires. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning properties.
As someone who drives frequently, I usually pay close attention to tire pressure balance. Generally speaking, a difference of more than 0.1 to 0.2 bar between the four tires is considered a slight deviation, with the ideal normal range being within 0.1 bar, roughly equivalent to a fluctuation of 1 to 2 PSI. My old car once had a significant tire pressure difference—the left front tire was 0.3 bar lower, causing the car to pull to one side while driving and squeak when braking. It wasn’t until I took it to a mechanic that I found out it was due to low tire pressure. He advised checking the tire pressure monthly with a simple tire pressure gauge to avoid uneven tire wear or increased fuel consumption. Always aim to keep all tires at the same pressure, and don’t cut corners by only topping up one—especially during winter and summer when temperature changes cause faster pressure fluctuations. It’s best to get a seasonal check-up at a 4S shop, as their professional equipment is more accurate. Don’t wait until a tire blows to regret it.
I feel maintaining even tire pressure is quite crucial. Experience tells me a difference within 10 kPa or roughly 1 PSI is acceptable. Excessive differences not only accelerate tire deformation but also increase fuel consumption, making steering feel floaty on long trips, which is quite dangerous. Last time when helping a friend with his car, his right rear tire pressure was significantly low, causing severe uneven wear on the entire wheel, and replacing a new tire cost quite a bit. At home, I use a digital gauge to check the tire pressure, keeping it close to the manufacturer's recommended value. Generally, it's advised to keep all tires at the same level, as stated in the manual. Pay extra attention during seasons with large temperature variations, timely adjustments can reduce the risk of blowouts. Regular maintenance is important, don't wait for problems to arise before taking action.
