Why are the four tire pressures different?
2 Answers
Tire pressure is manually adjusted, so there will inevitably be some deviations. As long as the differences are not too significant, it's generally fine. The hazards of low tire pressure are: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface; 2. Causes heavy steering and a tendency to veer, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; 3. Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heating due to excessive rolling. The hazards of high tire pressure are: 1. Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; 2. Causes steering wheel vibration and veering, reducing driving comfort; 3. Accelerates localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening tire lifespan; 4. Increases body vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components.
I've encountered uneven tire pressure multiple times. The most common causes are aging valve stems or air leaks, especially in older vehicles. Driving habits also play a role – frequently driving on rough roads or scraping curbs while parking can damage tire sidewalls, leading to slow leaks. Temperature fluctuations significantly affect tire pressure too, with noticeable expansion and contraction under hot sunlight. Don't forget to check for wheel rim deformation – my car once had a slightly dented rim edge, causing that tire to require monthly inflation. Uneven tire pressure creates noticeable driving issues: slight vehicle pulling, heavier steering effort, and longer braking distances. I've developed a monthly tire pressure check routine – measuring when tires are cold gives the most accurate readings, usually following manufacturer recommendations found on door frames or fuel caps. If one tire loses pressure abnormally fast, conduct a thorough inspection of both tread and rim rather than simply adding air.
