What is the optimal tire pressure?
2 Answers
According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressures for different types of tires are as follows: Standard tires: 2.4-2.5bar; Reinforced tires: 2.8-2.9bar; Maximum pressure: Should not exceed 3.5bar. Normal winter tire pressure range: In winter, adjust the tire pressure based on the standard tire pressure, increasing it by approximately 0.2bar. Normal summer tire pressure range: Generally, use the lower limit of the standard tire pressure. For example, the lower limit for standard tires is 2.4bar. If the car is often parked outdoors, the tire pressure can be slightly lower than the standard by about 0.1bar to prevent tire blowouts due to high temperatures. Hazards of overinflated tires: Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Excessive stretching of tire cords reduces elasticity, increasing the load on the car during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks and blowouts.
From the perspective of a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, tire pressure is something you really can't take lightly. My own car usually has a sticker on the door frame indicating the standard value, typically between 2.3 and 2.5 bar, depending on the car model and tire type. Too low pressure, say below 2.0 bar, causes excessive tire deformation and overheating, increasing the risk of a blowout, especially during long summer trips. On the other hand, too high pressure, like over 3.0 bar, makes the ride bumpy and stiff, significantly reducing comfort, and accelerates wear in the center of the tire, shortening its lifespan. I make it a habit to check the pressure once a month with a tire gauge when the car is cold—measuring before driving gives more accurate results. In terms of fuel efficiency, maintaining standard tire pressure can save a considerable amount on gas over a year, but more importantly, it enhances safety—proper tire pressure ensures more stable braking on wet roads during rain, something I pay extra attention to when driving with family. New drivers often overlook this; a simple tire gauge costing just a few dozen bucks is all you need—don't wait for the warning light to come on before taking action.
