Will the tire develop wave-like deformation when driving at high speed with low tire pressure?
2 Answers
Tire pressure that is too low can cause wave-like deformation when driving at high speed. At high speeds, low tire pressure increases the contact area between the tire and the road, leading to a rapid rise in tire temperature and resulting in wave-like deformation, which can ultimately cause a blowout. In such situations, panicked steering may even lead to a rollover or loss of vehicle control, posing safety hazards to both the driver and others on the road. When tire pressure is too low, friction between the tire and the ground multiplies, causing the tire temperature to rise sharply, the tire to soften, and its strength to drop drastically. If the vehicle continues to drive at high speed under these conditions, a blowout may occur. Additionally, low tire pressure increases fuel consumption.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I've witnessed too many accidents caused by insufficient tire pressure. When driving at high speeds with underinflated tires, the contact patch of the tire gets repeatedly compressed and deformed. The rubber doesn't have time to return to its original shape before the next rotation begins, eventually leading to permanent wavy deformation over time. This phenomenon is called standing waves, where tire temperatures can skyrocket above 120°C, potentially causing internal ply separation and dramatically increasing the risk of blowouts. Last month, my neighbor's car suddenly lost control on the highway precisely due to deformation caused by low tire pressure. I recommend using a mechanical tire pressure gauge monthly to maintain 2.3-2.5bar when tires are cold, and always check before highway driving for maximum safety.
