Which part of the tire experiences increased wear when the tire pressure is too low?
3 Answers
Tire pressure that is too low will cause increased wear on both sides of the tire crown. Below is relevant information about car tires: 1. Overview: Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle. They directly contact the road surface and work together with the car's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving. They also ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities. Additionally, tires bear the weight of the car, and their crucial role in vehicle performance is increasingly recognized. 2. Usage tips: (1) Avoid abrupt starts when driving. Whether the car is empty or loaded, always start smoothly at low speed to prevent dragging the tires against the ground and reducing tread wear. (2) When driving on good roads, maintain a straight path. Avoid swerving or making sharp turns except when passing other vehicles or avoiding obstacles, as this can cause lateral cutting damage between the tire and rim. (3) When descending long slopes, control the speed appropriately based on the gradient, length, and road conditions. On steep, long, or complex roads, shift to a lower gear and use gentle braking to control speed. This not only avoids emergency braking and reduces tire wear but also enhances driving safety.
Low tire pressure can cause the tire shoulders to wear out particularly quickly. That's because when the pressure is insufficient, both sides of the tire will bend excessively, making more contact with the ground, and over time, the shoulders will wear down. You might feel the car drifting a bit, and fuel consumption will also increase. Once during a road trip, I ignored a slow leak in my tire, and after driving on the highway for a while, I pulled over to find both sides of the tread completely worn out. When I took it to the repair shop, they explained that the shoulder is a common failure point for low pressure—it redistributes the pressure that should be borne by the center to the sides. So now I make it a habit to check my tire pressure monthly with a gauge, keeping it at the recommended level to save on tire and fuel costs. New tires are quite expensive, so early prevention can help them last longer.
Low tire pressure primarily affects the edges of the tire, commonly referred to as the tire shoulders. When the pressure is insufficient, the tire deforms, increasing friction between the sides and the road surface, leading to accelerated wear on the shoulders. I've handled many similar cases where car owners brought their vehicles complaining of uneven tire wear, and upon inspection, low pressure was identified as the main cause. In such instances, it's essential to test the tire pressure, with the standard typically being 2.3-2.5 bar. If you neglect regular checks, not only will the shoulders wear out faster, but it will also reduce grip, making the car unstable when turning corners. I recommend using a reminder app or simply checking the tire pressure gauge each time you refuel. Driving like this long-term can lead to premature tire failure, incurring additional costs. Safety comes first; there's no room for carelessness.
