Why is it easier for a car to have a blowout if its tire pressure is low? Does tire pressure affect fuel consumption?

We all know that tires need to be inflated, especially in summer because of the high temperature, which can easily cause tire blowouts. There are many factors that can cause tire blowouts, and tire pressure is one of them. In fact, low tire pressure is more likely to cause a tire blowout than high tire pressure. Let's learn more about it.

Why is it more likely for a car to have a flat tire if its tire pressure is low?

Let's first talk about the difference between high-pressure tires and low-pressure tires. The air pressure of high-pressure tires is generally 0.5-0.7 MPa, and the air pressure of low-pressure tires is generally 0.15-0.45 MPa. There are also ultra-low-pressure tires with pressures below 0.15 MPa, but this is extremely rare in daily life.

At present, most tires use low-pressure tires, mainly because low-pressure tires have good elasticity and a larger cross-section, which increases the contact area between the tire and the road, thereby improving the handling of the car.

Although low tire pressure will not cause the tire to "explode", the tire's contact area will become larger when the tire pressure is low, and the heat generated during driving will be much greater than the standard tire pressure, which will cause the internal cord layer metal wire to deform and accelerate fatigue. In severe cases, it will cause structural damage and ultimately lead to tire bursting.

However, slight underinflation will not have any impact. It is recommended to maintain normal tire pressure and check it frequently.

Does car tire pressure affect fuel consumption?

Tire pressure has an impact on fuel consumption. In theory, when tire pressure increases, fuel consumption will decrease, and when tire pressure decreases, fuel consumption will increase. However, excessive tire pressure will reduce the contact area between the tire and the ground, resulting in the inability to display the vehicle's load, affecting the safe braking distance.

When the tire pressure is too low, the tire's contact area increases, which increases the rolling resistance of the car, and the acceleration naturally decreases, so fuel consumption increases. At this time, the tire edge pressure increases, and the tire shoulder wears prematurely, which is not conducive to saving fuel consumption and economical use.

However, the impact of tire pressure on fuel consumption is only a small aspect. It is also related to the engine, driving habits, vehicle load, road conditions, etc.

How to prevent car tire blowout in summer

There are many factors that lead to tire blowouts, not just one.

First of all, you should replace the tires in time. Don't think that you don't need to replace them just because the tire pattern is fine. As a rubber part, the tire has a service life. If it is used for more than 5-6 years, it will age more. If it is continued to be used, the probability of tire bursting will increase. Therefore, it is very important to replace the tires in time.

Another important factor is the strength of the tire itself. If the tire has problems such as bulging or cracking, it needs to be replaced in time, because such problems mean that the overall strength of the tire has been damaged and can no longer meet normal requirements. If you continue to use it, it may cause a blowout.

Another thing is to monitor the tire pressure regularly. Our tire pressure must be kept within a safe value, not too high or too low. Too high or too low may cause a tire blowout. You can set it according to the user manual provided by the manufacturer.