Why are the air pressures of the four tires different?
3 Answers
Nowadays, tire pressure adjustment is done manually, so there will inevitably be some deviations. As long as the difference isn't too significant, it's generally not a problem. A tire pressure of around 2.3 bar is usually more comfortable, and it should not be lower than 2.1 bar. Additionally, there is a range of acceptable values, and it's impossible for every tire to maintain the exact same pressure. Road conditions and weather changes can also affect tire pressure. The hazards of having different tire pressures among the four tires include the following: 1. Insufficient tire pressure or uneven pressure between the left and right tires increases the contact area between the tires and the ground, leading to greater friction and lateral steering resistance. This will inevitably accelerate tire wear, make steering heavier, and increase fuel consumption. 2. When the tire pressures on both sides are inconsistent, it objectively causes changes in the wheel diameter of the left and right tires, altering the tire circumference and thus the distance traveled. Although the difference may be small, the high-speed rotation of the wheels can accumulate and amplify these minor discrepancies, eventually causing the vehicle to drift naturally.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter inconsistent tire pressure issues. The main causes include slow air leaks, such as punctures from nails or faulty valve seals, which gradually reduce pressure over time. Seasonal changes also play a role – tire pressure noticeably drops in cold winter weather and rises during hot summer days, creating imbalance. This leads to noticeable steering pull, wheel vibration, increased braking distance and tire wear, as well as higher fuel consumption. I keep a digital tire pressure gauge and check all four tires weekly to ensure they're inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels. Safety comes first – if any issues arise, I immediately visit a professional auto repair shop. Don't risk safety to save small money, as uneven tire pressure can increase the risk of blowouts during high-speed driving.
When I first bought my car, I often encountered significant differences in tire pressure. The most common issue was something puncturing a tire, like a small stone or metal fragment, causing a slow leak. It could also be due to natural pressure loss from the car sitting idle for too long. While driving, I'd feel the car wobbling, the steering wheel becoming hard to control, and I was especially afraid of losing control and having an accident. Now, I've developed a habit: every month, I use a tire pressure gauge I keep at home to check the pressure, ensuring all four tires are inflated to the same PSI before I feel at ease. It saves money and gives peace of mind. If there's a leak, I quickly go to a roadside repair shop to patch the tire or replace the valve core, preventing a small issue from becoming a big problem.
