Why Does Tire Pressure Increase While Driving?
2 Answers
Tire pressure increases while driving primarily due to the expansion of gas inside the tires during operation. Below is an expanded explanation of tire pressure: 1. Generally, the normal tire pressure should be based on the manufacturer's recommended value. 2. The standard tire pressure depends on the type of tire and the vehicle model. Different models have varying weights, heights, and tire sizes, each requiring different tire pressures. Standard tires typically have a pressure of 240kpa-250kpa, while reinforced tires have a pressure of 280kpa-290kpa. 3. Additionally, tire pressure differs between cold and hot tires, with hot tires having about 20kpa higher pressure than cold ones. The manufacturer's recommended value refers to the cold tire pressure, which is usually around 230kpa-250kpa when the vehicle is cold. However, the specific tire pressure should always be based on the value indicated for each individual vehicle.
I noticed that tire pressure increases while driving, primarily due to heat generated from tire friction causing the air inside to expand when heated. It's similar to how a balloon inflates under warm air—during high-speed driving, increased friction accelerates heat buildup, leading to faster tire pressure rise, especially in summer heat or after long-distance travel where pressure may increase by over 0.3 bar. Although this is a normal physical phenomenon, excessively high tire pressure raises the risk of tire blowouts and compromises grip and braking performance. Therefore, I always recommend checking tire pressure when the car is cold, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended values, and avoiding immediate deflation after aggressive driving in hot weather. Paying attention to such details can extend tire lifespan and reduce unexpected incidents.
