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Why Do My Tires Seem Deflated on Cold Days?

11/11/2020 10:02:00 AM | (3595) View Count | Return
Has this ever happened to you? You hop in your car on an icy morning, all ready to head for the office, only to see one of those dreaded dashboard lights spring deflated tiresimmediately to life. According to the warning light, your tire pressure's low. Or perhaps you've sworn your tires look more deflated than they should be when the weather's been especially bitter.
 
It's not your imagination, and you aren't going crazy. Cold weather can (and does) affect tire pressure. Here's a closer look at why, as well as what you can do about it.

Why Do My Tires Seem Deflated on Cold Days?

Air contracts when the temperature drops—and the air inside your tires is no exception. The reason this occurs has to do with the speed at which air molecules move. The lower the temperature, the slower they become. Slow-moving molecules are smaller, take up less space, and don't push up against the walls of your tires with as much pressure.
 
So, no, your tire pressure isn't low on cold days because your tires haven't technically lost air. (In fact, your tire pressure will likely go right back to normal the minute it gets warmer.) It's dangerous to drive on even mildly deflated tires, though. It can damage your tires, as well as potentially cause an accident, so always err on the side of caution and give your tire pressure a quick check to be sure. If they genuinely need more air, go ahead and top them off to be on the safe side.
 

deflated tiresHow Do I Check My Tire Pressure?

Tire pressure should always be tested under "cold" conditions, meaning you should do it before driving. (Alternatively, you can wait three hours or more after completing a drive.) Otherwise, the air molecules in your tires will have expanded from the heat, affecting your reading accuracy. Here's a basic method for getting an accurate read on your tire pressure.
  • Invest in a good tire pressure gauge you can trust to deliver reliable results.
  • Insert the gauge into your tire's valve stem. Digital gauges will immediately start measuring your tire pressure. Pencil-style gauges, on the other hand, will eventually pop out and show your final result.
  • The sticker on the inside of your driver-side door will include an ideal psi (pounds per square inch) reading. (If you can't find the sticker or it's no longer there, consult your driver's manual.) Compare this number to the psi reading on your gauge.
  • If your tire pressure is below that number, as it might well be on a cold day, add air until the recommended psi is reached.

How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?

You should always check your tire pressure on cold days, if your tires appear deflated, or any time you have a reason to believe your psi isn't ideal. However, it's worth noting that tires lose one psi per month on average, so it's a good idea to check your pressure monthly. You should also do a quick check anytime you're going on a long road trip, just to make sure everything goes smoothly. It's easy to do, and safety is always worth a few minutes of your time.

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