What is the recommended tire pressure for small cars?
2 Answers
The tire pressure for small cars is generally around 2.5mpa. The specific details of tire pressure are as follows: Impact of tire pressure: Low tire pressure increases tire deformation, leading to cracks on the sidewalls and causing flexing movements. This results in excessive heat generation, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, speeding up wear on the tire shoulders. High tire pressure, on the other hand, causes excessive stretching and deformation of the tire cords, reducing the tire's elasticity. This increases the load on the car while driving, and impacts may lead to internal cracks or even blowouts. Additionally, high tire pressure accelerates wear on the tread and reduces puncture resistance. Tire pressure regulations: According to the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the recommended tire pressure for standard tires is 2.4-2.5bar, while reinforced tires should be inflated to 2.8-2.9bar. The maximum tire pressure should not exceed 3.5bar.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I have some practical tips. The most crucial thing about tire pressure for small cars is to check the manufacturer's label on the door frame or fuel cap, which usually indicates a range of 2.2-2.5 bar. I always keep a mechanical tire pressure gauge in my car and measure the cold tire pressure once a month for the most accurate reading. If you measure it after driving when the tires are hot, the reading can be about 0.3 bar higher. Last time, I noticed the left front tire was underinflated, and within two weeks, uneven wear patterns appeared. After refilling the tire, the steering no longer pulled to one side. Remember, it's more stable to keep the front tires slightly higher by 0.1-0.2 bar than the rear tires. In summer, you can go about 5% below the standard value, while snow tires should be inflated 10% more. Keeping a portable air pump in the car is quite handy—my Xiaomi inflator can even be powered by the dash cam port.
