No, driving with a tyre pressure of 150 kPa (1.5 bar) is unsafe and should be corrected immediately. This level is significantly below the standard 220-240 kPa (2.2-2.4 bar) recommended for most GCC-spec sedans like the Toyota Camry or Nissan Sunny, increasing risks on UAE roads. At 1.5 bar, the tyre's sidewall flexes excessively, generating internal heat—a critical hazard during summer temperatures above 40°C on highways like Sheikh Zayed Road. This heat accelerates rubber degradation and can lead to sudden tyre failure. Furthermore, low pressure causes uneven wear on the tyre shoulders, drastically shortening its lifespan and negatively impacting fuel economy, which is crucial with current Special 95 fuel prices.
For a clear cost and safety impact, consider this comparison for a common family sedan:
| Pressure Scenario | Safety Risk | Estimated Tyre Life | Fuel Economy Impact |
|---|
| Recommended (2.4 bar) | Minimal | Up to 40,000 - 50,000 km | Optimal (e.g., 14 km/l) |
| Low (1.5 bar) | High (Blowout risk) | Reduced by ~30-40% | Decrease by ~5-8% |
- Fuel economy impact: Rolling resistance increases, lowering efficiency by approximately 0.5-1.0 km/l.
- Annual depreciation: Premature tyre replacement adds roughly 300-500 AED per year to running costs.
- Cost per km: This wear increases the per-kilometer tyre cost by about 0.01-0.015 AED/km.
RTA Dubai consistently includes correct tyre pressure in its seasonal safety campaigns, emphasising its role in preventing accidents. Similarly, Abu Dhabi Mobility's vehicle inspection guidelines mandate tyres be within the manufacturer's specified limits, which never go as low as 1.5 bar for passenger vehicles. The total cost of ownership (TCO) for a car driven 20,000 km annually in the UAE can increase by nearly 1,000 AED per year due to accelerated tyre wear and extra fuel consumption from chronically under-inflated tyres. Always check pressure monthly, especially before long trips on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, and adjust according to the driver's door placard, not the maximum pressure on the tyre sidewall.
