Beyond the 4 PSI Myth: The Science of Tire Pressure and Hysteresis
Uncover the physics of sidewall friction and whether the classic 4 PSI rule actually keeps your tires safe on the road.
By Blip Tech
1 min read
The 4 PSI rule is a traditional technique used to gauge proper tire inflation by comparing cold and hot pressure measurements. The science behind this involves hysteresis, which is the internal friction and heat generated as a tire's sidewalls bend during rotation. While a 4 PSI increase generally suggests correct inflation, the reliability of this rule is frequently challenged by factors such as specialized tire types, varying driving environments, and ambient temperature shifts.
