Why Does a New Car Have Insufficient Tire Pressure?
2 Answers
New cars may have insufficient tire pressure due to: 1. Damaged valve stems causing air leakage; 2. Gaps between the tire and wheel rim. The impacts of insufficient tire pressure include: 1. Increased friction coefficient with the road surface; 2. Heavier steering wheel feel and tendency to drift; 3. Increased movement of tire components leading to abnormal heat generation from excessive rolling; 4. Reduced functionality of cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage; 5. Excessive friction with the wheel rim resulting in bead area damage; 6. Increased risk of tire blowouts during high-speed driving; 7. Larger tire contact area accelerating shoulder wear.
It's quite common to find insufficient tire pressure right after driving a new car home. Typically, tire pressure is set higher at the factory to prevent damage during transportation, but tires can lose air and soften due to long-distance bumps or warehouse stacking. Temperature also plays a role—hot summer air expands, then pressure drops when parked in the shade, while cold winter weather lowers tire pressure further. Additionally, dealerships might overlook checking tire pressure during delivery. I recall helping a friend pick out a car, and the salesperson mentioned that unstable tire pressure in new cars is normal, advising a quick stop at a gas station to inflate and check after purchase. Regularly using a simple tire pressure gauge to self-test helps avoid risks like poor handling or even blowouts from low pressure—safety first!
