As the temperature drops and the air turns chilly, many car owners find themselves pondering the question of whether one should inflate my tires. The short answer is Yes, it is typically essential that you inflate your tires in cold weather.
First of all, temperature is directly related to air pressure. Low temperature or cold weather means low air pressure. Therefore, maintaining proper tire pressure during the winter is essential for your safety, car performance, and overall driving experience.
Let’s learn how cold weather can affect your car’s tire pressure and discover methods to overcome this.
How Cold Weather Can Impact Your Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure can be significantly affected by cold weather because of how gases behave. Tire pressure decreases as a result of the air molecules’ loss of energy and movement toward one another as a result of falling temperatures. For every 10°F change in temperature, tires lose or gain 1-2 PSI (pounds per square inch). Therefore, if the temperature drops by 20°F over the weekend, theoretically your tires could lose 4 PSI.
At What Temperature Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
If the daytime temperature is close to 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the nighttime is close to 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advised by tire manufacturers to check the pressure of your tires. Since the tires lose pressure in cold weather, manually inspecting them is essential to avoid tire bursts during the drive.
Why You Should Inflate Your Vehicle’s Tires in Cold Weather?
Enhanced Traction and Control
Wet, icy, or snowy road surfaces all of which reduce traction are frequently brought on by cold weather. The grip and control of your car are enhanced by properly inflated tires because they have a wider and more even contact patch with the ground. This is particularly important when traveling through slick conditions because it helps avoid skidding and sliding.
Improved brakes Performance
Having tires with optimal pressure can help you to stop your vehicle more effectively and properly inflated tires can help you to contribute to shorter stopping distances as in cold weather, the road is slick, and braking distance are extended. It will reduce the livelihood of accidents.
Fuel Efficiency
By maintaining proper tire pressure, you can also improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Since it is already being impacted by cold weather due to things like longer idling times and denser air. This problem is made worse by underinflated tires because they have more rolling resistance. You can lessen this impact and support your car’s continued improved fuel efficiency by maintaining the proper tire pressure in various weather conditions.
Safety of Passengers:
You can maintain your drive safer for you as well as the passengers inside the car by maintaining proper tire pressure because if you are driving with underinflated tires it will put stress on your vehicle suspension and in severe cases can result in a blowout.
How Can TPMS Help Keep Your Tire Pressure Intact During Cold Weather?
Cold weather affects your tire pressure. Therefore, it is essential to inflate your tires one to two PSI more as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Moreover, TPMS sensors help maintain air pressure during any weather conditions. Besides, you can use winter tires for your truck or any vehicle to avoid any mishap.
To learn more tips about tire pressure and sensors, keep following the Porcsi Blog.