What to Do When Car Tires Are Underinflated?
4 Answers
The methods to deal with underinflated car tires are: 1. Check if the tire is leaking or damaged; 2. Use an onboard air pump to inflate the tire. The effects of underinflated car tires include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface; 2. Causes the steering wheel to become heavy and prone to deviation, creating unfavorable driving safety factors; 3. Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation; 4. Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim resulting in damage to the bead area; 5. Increases tire body deformation, leading to cracks on the tire side and flexing motion, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and accelerating shoulder wear.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered low tire pressure many times. At first, I didn't know what to do and handled it poorly, but later I developed a simple routine. If the tire pressure warning light comes on or the tires feel soft, don't drive too far. Quickly find a safe place to pull over and check, preferably using a car pressure gauge or a mobile app to check the recommended values. Then, head to the nearest gas station or service area to inflate the tires to the standard pressure. After filling, drive for a while and observe: if the pressure holds steady, then everything is fine; if it drops quickly again, there might be a nail puncture causing a leak, and you'll need to visit a repair shop for a patch or tire replacement. Safety first—low tire pressure can easily lead to a blowout, especially dangerous on highways. So now I've made it a habit to manually check my tire pressure every month and even bought a portable air pump to keep in the trunk for emergencies. It's convenient and gives me peace of mind.
As someone who often helps others with car repairs, I would teach car owners to start with the basics when dealing with low tire pressure. First, identify the issue: get out of the car and check if the tire is visibly deformed or has a nail stuck in it. If not, use a reliable pressure gauge to measure the tire pressure. If the pressure is indeed low, immediately find an air pump to inflate the tire to the manufacturer's recommended value, such as around 35 psi. After inflating, monitor it for a few days: if the pressure remains stable, everything is fine; if it drops rapidly, there might be a slow leak or a valve issue. In such cases, don't delay—head straight to a professional shop for inspection and repair. Regular maintenance is crucial; I recommend checking tire pressure every two weeks to avoid potential hazards. Don’t forget about the spare tire either—ensure it’s always ready for use, as it can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
When I first bought my car last year, I was quite nervous about the low tire pressure. Later, I learned a few tricks to handle it easily. First, don't rush to drive; park and use a portable tire pressure gauge to check the reading. If it's below the recommended value, head to a self-service air station at a gas station to inflate. Be careful not to overinflate—add air slowly until it reaches the proper level. If the tire has a puncture and won't hold air, you'll need to visit a repair shop for a patch or a new tire. As a beginner, I've developed the habit of checking tire pressure regularly, like testing it after refueling. For safety, maintaining proper tire pressure reduces wear and ensures a stable drive.
