Are your car tires squealing when you take a turn? One probable reason is that your tire pressure is too low. Tire pressure is important for the long life of the tire and the safety of the car and its passengers.
A tire with ideal pressure will result in better fuel economy, which will result in less pollution. In this article, you can read more about what tire pressure is, how it is monitored, what tire pressure is too low to drive on, and how low tire pressure can cause trouble, both to the car and your finances.
How Is Tire Pressure Monitored?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, monitors the air pressure inside your car’s tires. In the United States, all vehicles manufactured since 2007 must have this system.
There are two sub-systems to the TPMS:
Direct TPMS: measures tire pressure using a sensor located in the tire assembly. The sensor’s value is transmitted to the car’s computer system, which will let the driver know if the tire pressure is below the recommended level or less than 25%.
Indirect TPMS: With the help of the ABS, the Indirect TPMS measures the diameter differences of each tire. It also measures the rate of revolution of each wheel using the wheel speed sensors.
After reading the value returned by the TPMS system, the control system will turn on the “low tire pressure light” to let you know about the current situation.
What Is Too Low for Tire Pressure?
The ideal tire pressure set by vehicle manufacturers will depend on an array of factors. These include how much load the vehicle can carry, the size and weight of the vehicle, the tread contact patch shape, and other handling parameters. Since each and every vehicle is unique in terms of the above factors. In some cars, the ideal value will be different for the front and rear wheels.
For most cars, the recommended value is around 32 to 35 psi when they are cold. You can get an accurate reading when the car is left alone overnight or is parked for a few hours.
So the conclusion is that the lowest value for your car will depend on the vehicle’s weight and size. However, for your convenience, the manufacturer has already set the ideal value, and it would be if you maintain that value. This will improve the traction; the vehicle will have better fuel efficiency, enhanced safety, and reduced tire wear and tear.
How Long Can You Drive with Low Tire Pressure?
The distance you can travel on a low tire pressure depends on how far the value is from the ideal pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If the tire pressure is too low, the tire is highly likely to fail. It will lose shape and most likely leave you stranded with a flat tire.
On the other hand, if the pressure is slightly lower than the standard value, you can drive for a couple more miles. But during this period, the fuel consumption will be high, and the tire will start to wear out. So it is better to refill the tires as soon as possible before continuing your journey.
Is It Okay to Drive on Low Tire Pressure?
If the tires do not appear deflated to the naked eye or soft to the touch, they might not be too dangerous to drive on. But to be on the safe side, it is best to get to the nearest gas station and fill the tire. Also, it is advised not to go on long drives while your tire pressure is low.
Many people wonder why the TPMS light is on, but their tires are fine. This does happen more often than not. People have become more careful about tire pressure ever since TPMS monitoring came to use in the US. If the light is on, do a visual inspection of the tires. Also, a few factors like temperature play a major role in that.
What Happens If I Drive with Low Tire Pressure?
As you already saw above, the effects of driving with low tire pressure can cause damage to the car and its passengers. Low pressure on soft ground surfaces may be good, but it can be dangerous if you consider normal roads.
Similarly, low value can become a villain if you are driving when it’s raining or the road is covered in snow. Low pressure on such surfaces can result in low grip while taking a turn or even braking. As a result, the car will start drifting while taking corners, and even the most seasoned driver will not want to be in the driving seat at that point.
Is Low Tire Pressure Normal in Cold Weather?
Low tire pressure from cold weather is common as the air inside the tire becomes cold. The cold air molecules will shrink, or in other words, cold air is denser. That is why the value decreases during winter. Since this is a time when you might take a vacation or long drives, having ideal tire pressure is very important.
Theoretically, your tires could lose around 1 to 2 PSI every time the temperature drops by 10°F. So, you will have to inflate the tires at least once during the winter season.
What to Do When the Value Is Low?
If the low air pressure light is on, first, you want to check the pressure yourself. In some rare cases, the sensors may not be working properly. For instance, the spare tires do not have a TPMS sensor, and if you are using the low tire pressure symbol will be displayed.
Find the recommended PSI specified by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this from either the driver’s side door card or the vehicle owner’s manual. You can then measure the value on each wheel using an air pressure gauge.
First, unscrew the valve stem cap and insert the gauge to measure the air pressure. The gauge should be fitted tightly to the valve stem to get an accurate reading, and the value you obtain from all the tires should be the same as the recommended manufacturer-specified value. If it is low, visit the nearest gas station or mechanic and inflate your tires.
What Are the Common Causes of Low Tire Pressure?
Temperature change is the most common cause of tire pressure change. A temperature drop of about 10°F can reduce tire pressure by up to 1 PSI.
Check for leaks and punctures. Nails and broken pieces of glass are the usual villains. A damaged valve and a missing valve cap can also cause leaks.
Tire and wheel damage can also cause low tire pressure. Bent wheels or rims create gaps, allowing air to leak out and dropping the pressure. Worn-out tires can also cause air leaks. Die-cast aluminum and magnesium alloy wheels are likely to corrode at the point where the rim meets the tire bead; if so, it can cause air to leak.
Finally, make sure your TPMS is working properly. A damaged TPMS can sometimes display the wrong tire pressure. TPMS damage is often age-related or due to battery-related issues.
Silas Smith has been writing for over 7 years about the automotive and parking industry. He has done everything from covering parking for events to sharing his knowledge about the best parking in cities across the U.S. He loves long drives and sports. The guy is also secretly a gamer and streams it when he isn’t too shy.
