What to Do When Car Tire Pressure is Low?
3 Answers
Solutions for low car tire pressure: If you have an onboard air pump, you can first inflate the tire a little and then slowly drive to a nearby repair shop for further handling; if the air leakage is severe, it is recommended to replace the spare tire to avoid continued driving that may cause wheel rim deformation. Maintaining high-speed driving for a long time may even lead to a tire blowout, threatening driving safety. During normal driving, pay attention to the friction sound between the tires and the ground, especially the cushioning force when driving over uneven road surfaces, and whether the acceleration during refueling has changed compared to usual. These all require accumulated experience over time.
When I feel the steering becoming heavier while driving or a sudden increase in fuel consumption, my first instinct is to check the tire pressure. Last week, I encountered this exact situation. After parking, I used a portable tire pressure gauge and found that the front tires were only at 1.8 bar. I immediately drove to the nearest repair shop to inflate them, topping up to the standard value of 2.3 bar as indicated on the door frame. The mechanic also reminded me to check for any nails in the tires, and sure enough, a small screw was embedded in the tread. Addressing it promptly prevented the risk of future air leaks. Insufficient tire pressure not only increases the chance of a blowout but also causes excessive wear on the tire edges, leading to higher replacement costs in the long run. Now, I keep an electric air pump in my car and check the tire pressure with a gauge twice a month, especially during seasonal transitions when pressure fluctuations are more significant and require extra attention.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I place great importance on tire pressure. Once, before getting on the highway, the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard came on, and I immediately pulled over to the emergency lane. Using the mechanical tire pressure gauge from the onboard tools, I found that the right rear tire's pressure had dropped to 1.6 bar. I replaced it with the spare tire and continued my journey, only getting it professionally inspected after reaching my destination. That experience made me deeply realize how dangerous a tire blowout on the highway can be. Now, before every long trip, I measure the pressure of all four tires to ensure they are within ±0.1 bar of the standard value. During seasons with significant temperature fluctuations, such as winter, when cold tire pressure can be about 0.3 bar lower than in summer, it's even more important to check frequently. If you can't find an inflation station while on the road, remember to carry a can of automatic tire repair sealant for emergencies, but make sure to thoroughly clean and repair the tire once you reach a town.
