Why is the tire pressure low on rainy days?
2 Answers
Reasons for low tire pressure on rainy days: If the tire is damaged or the valve seal is not tight, causing air leakage, it will lead to a decrease in tire pressure; If the tire rim is deformed, it will affect the sealing performance, resulting in lower tire pressure; If the vehicle frequently exceeds the specified load weight, the rear wheels will experience different stress compared to the front wheels. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: The friction and adhesion of the tire will decrease, affecting braking performance; It can cause steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; It accelerates the localized wear of the tread pattern in the center of the tire, shortening the tire's lifespan; It increases the vibration of the vehicle body, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; It causes excessive stretching and deformation of the tire cords, reducing the elasticity of the tire body and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; It decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, the tire is more easily punctured, and impacts can cause internal cracks and blowouts, leading to tire bursts. Hazards of insufficient tire pressure: The friction coefficient with the road surface increases, leading to higher fuel consumption; It makes the steering wheel heavy and prone to deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; It increases the movement of various parts of the tire, causing abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; It reduces the functionality of the cords and rubber, leading to delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, causing damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; The friction between the tire and the ground increases exponentially, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving under such conditions may lead to tire bursts; It increases the deformation of the tire body, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and causing flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, accelerating rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground and accelerating shoulder wear.
After years of driving, I've noticed that low tire pressure on rainy days is primarily caused by the thermal expansion and contraction effect due to sudden temperature drops. As air volume shrinks with decreasing temperature, tire pressure follows suit, which is particularly noticeable during cold rain or cold front weather. Rainy days often see temperature drops of several degrees, potentially reducing tire pressure by 10-20%, making tires softer and affecting handling stability and braking distance. The solution is simple: develop a habit of checking tire pressure with a gauge before and after rainy days. It's recommended to inflate tires to the vehicle's specified value when they're cold, usually found on the door frame sticker or in the manual. Long-term low tire pressure also increases fuel consumption and wear, and may even lead to the risk of a blowout, especially dangerous on wet roads. It's advisable to check tire pressure regularly every two weeks or with seasonal changes to maintain standards for improved safety and driving pleasure. Keep a portable air pump in the car for convenient adjustments anytime.
