Why Does Tire Pressure Increase While Driving?
2 Answers
Tire pressure increases while driving because the gas inside the tire expands under the motion of the vehicle. Hazards of Overinflated Tires: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tire, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates uneven wear of the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overstretches the tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. Sharp objects like nails or glass can more easily penetrate the tire, leading to internal cracks or blowouts. Hazards of Underinflated Tires: Increases friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and deviation, compromising driving safety; Increases movement of tire components, leading to abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage and excessive friction with the rim, damaging the bead area and causing abnormal wear; Multiplies friction with the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to blowouts; Increases tire deformation, causing sidewall cracks and excessive flexing, leading to overheating, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area and accelerating shoulder wear.
The main reason tire pressure increases while driving is due to friction-generated heat as the tires roll. When air heats up, its volume expands, causing pressure to rise—just like a hot air balloon expanding. From an automotive enthusiast's perspective, accelerated air molecule movement squeezes them closer together, increasing pressure. It's recommended to check cold tire pressure in the morning before driving to avoid high-temperature inaccuracies. Pressure rises faster during highway driving or hot weather, and exceeding recommended values increases blowout risks and affects handling. Regular checks of the tire pressure monitoring system can prevent potential issues.