What is the standard tire pressure for sedans in summer?
3 Answers
The standard tire pressure for sedans in summer is between 2.3 and 2.5 bar. Due to the high temperatures in summer, the tire pressure should be 0.1 to 0.2 bar lower than the standard tire pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. If the tire pressure is too high, the elasticity of the tire will decrease, and the adhesion to the ground will be reduced, which will affect braking performance and increase the risk of a blowout upon impact. The hazards of low tire pressure include: 1. Increased road friction coefficient, leading to higher fuel consumption; 2. Heavy steering wheel, making the car prone to deviation, which is not conducive to driving safety; 3. Increased movement of various parts of the tire, causing excessive rolling and abnormal tire heating; 4. Reduced performance of the cord and rubber, leading to cord breakage, delamination between the cord and rim, or excessive friction, causing bead damage and abnormal wear; 5. Increased friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and reduced strength, which can lead to tire blowout; 6. Low tire pressure increases the deformation of the tire body, causing sidewall cracks, flexing movement, overheating, rubber aging, accelerated shoulder wear, and shortened tire lifespan.
Summer tire pressure is no joke. I always follow the label on the door frame or fuel cap, where 2.2 to 2.5 bar is most common for small cars. But when driving in hot weather, tire temperature can soar to 60-70°C, increasing tire pressure by about 0.3 bar. So I adjust it to 0.1 bar below the standard value when the car is cold in the morning, making it just right when driving. Last month before a long trip, I specifically went to a repair shop to check, and the mechanic said higher tire pressure reduces the contact patch, increasing braking distance by a car's length! Don't forget to check the spare tire too—many cars have underinflated spares that are unusable. In this weather, I basically use a tire pressure gauge every two weeks. Safety is something you really can't cut corners on.
As a mom who pays extra attention to details, I never overlook the car manual's recommended 2.4 bar tire pressure. Especially in summer, I avoid inflating tires during midday heat. Last time I filled them at 2 PM when the gauge showed 2.5 bar, but by next morning it dropped to 2.3 bar. The mechanic advised adjusting pressure in cool morning temperatures and measuring in shade for accuracy. Underinflated tires wear faster on the sides - our family car needed premature tire replacement last year due to this. Now I keep a digital tire pressure gauge in the glovebox bought online, checking routinely when parked during kids' extracurricular classes. If tires look deflated when going over speed bumps, I top up air immediately.
