What is the standard tire pressure for sedans in summer?
2 Answers
In summer, the normal tire pressure for sedans is between 2.3 and 2.5. If the car is fully loaded with 5 passengers, it is more suitable to adjust the tire pressure to around 2.5; if there are generally only two passengers, a tire pressure of 2.3 is normal. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: The friction and adhesion of the tires will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; It accelerates localized wear on the central tread pattern of the tire, shortening the tire's lifespan; Increased body vibration indirectly affects the lifespan of other components; Excessive stretching deformation of the tire cords can reduce the elasticity of the tire body, increasing the load on the car during driving; Reduced 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 insufficient tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; It can make the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, creating unsafe driving conditions; Increased movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heat due to excessive rolling; Reduced functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; The friction between the tire and the ground increases exponentially, rapidly raising tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to blowouts; Increased deformation of the tire body, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and generating flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, as well as increased tire contact area, accelerating shoulder wear.
As a veteran taxi driver with fifteen years of experience, I often remind newcomers not to overlook tire pressure in summer. The standard tire pressure for cars is generally between 2.3-2.5 bar, depending on the sticker on your door frame or fuel cap. The most accurate measurement is taken in the morning when the car is cold—after sitting overnight or before an early trip, as the reading is closest to reality. On highways, tire friction and heat can increase pressure by about 0.3 bar, which is normal and nothing to worry about. On the other hand, low tire pressure can cause sidewall deformation and excessive heat, increasing the risk of a blowout. It’s best to keep the spare tire 0.2 bar above the standard pressure—otherwise, it’s embarrassing to find it flat when you urgently need it. Remember to check once a month; keeping a $20 mechanical gauge in the glove box makes it easy.
