Why does the tire pressure alarm go off at 1.8?
2 Answers
The reason for the tire pressure alarm at 1.8 bar is due to prolonged underinflation, which triggers the tire pressure monitoring light. Check if the tire pressure sensor is functioning properly. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes the steering wheel to feel heavy and may lead to drifting, compromising driving safety; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, causing excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation; Reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, resulting in bead damage and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to a blowout; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracking, while generating flexing movements that cause excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layers, and cord breakage. It also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Solutions for insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate to the normal tire pressure and reset the tire pressure system; If a puncture is found during inspection, drive to a tire shop promptly for repair, then reinflate; If the tire pressure warning reappears after inflation without any punctures, it may be due to air leakage caused by rim deformation. It is recommended to inspect the rim and replace it if necessary.
That day I also encountered the tire pressure alarm showing 1.8, which felt quite alarming, so I pulled over to check. Actually, this mainly indicates the tire pressure is too low—standard SUV tire pressure is usually between 2.3 and 2.5, so your 1.8 means insufficient pressure. The alarm system is the vehicle's sensors reminding you to address it promptly. Possible causes include a slow leak from a nail puncture or insufficient expansion due to significant temperature changes. In my case, I found a small hole in the tire. After using a portable inflator to refill it to the standard pressure, the alarm disappeared. If the alarm persists after refilling, you should check whether the sensors or wiring are faulty. Additionally, low tire pressure wears tires faster, increases fuel consumption, and in severe cases, may lead to a blowout, compromising safety. I recommend developing a habit of checking tire pressure weekly—a basic tire pressure gauge costing just a few tens of RMB will do. Don’t wait for the alarm to panic. If you’re unsure how to handle it, just drive to a repair shop—it’ll take just minutes to fix.
