What is the recommended tire pressure for vehicles in summer?
3 Answers
In summer, the normal tire pressure for cars is between 2.3 and 2.5. If the car is fully loaded with 5 passengers, adjusting the tire pressure to around 2.5 is more suitable; if there are generally two people, a tire pressure of 2.3 is normal. Hazards of overinflated tires: The friction and adhesion of the tires will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening tire life; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Causes excessive stretching and deformation of tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the car while driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, they can easily penetrate the tire, causing internal cracks or blowouts. Hazards of underinflated tires: Increases the friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Makes the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, creating unsafe driving conditions; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to blowouts; Increases tire deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and causing flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
In summer, when the ground temperature is extremely high, I think maintaining proper tire pressure is particularly important. I remember the manufacturer's recommended values are posted on the door edge or in the manual, usually in the range of 2.3 to 2.5 bar. In summer, if the tire pressure is too low, it can actually increase the risk of a blowout. Last year when I was driving on the highway, the temperature soared, causing the tire pressure to rise to a dangerous level, and I almost had an accident. Now I’ve developed a habit of checking the tire pressure every Monday morning when the car is cold, ensuring it’s neither higher nor lower than the recommended value. This helps avoid uneven tire wear and even saves a bit of fuel. In fact, tires are like the shoes of a car—if the pressure is insufficient, they can deform or crack, and if it’s too high, the grip weakens, affecting braking. Especially in hot seasons, the pressure naturally expands by about 0.3 bar, so I never adjust it recklessly just to pursue a certain feel of softness or hardness. Safety first is always the golden rule.
Over the years of driving, I've particularly enjoyed maintaining moderate tire pressure in summer, which directly impacts handling and fuel efficiency. I usually follow the tire pressure values indicated on the door label, typically around 2.4 bar for most cars. In summer, I avoid arbitrarily reducing it because high temperatures naturally increase air pressure, and neglecting this may cause vibrations and accelerate tire fatigue. My modified old car has custom wheels, so I frequently use an onboard tire pressure gauge in summer to ensure cold tires stay within the recommended range—this makes driving smoother and cornering more stable. I also avoid measuring tire pressure immediately after exposure to intense sunlight, as readings become inaccurate. Additionally, I remind myself to top up air regularly to prevent visibly underinflated tires, reducing wear and extending lifespan, making every road trip much more worry-free.
