United Tire and Service News

 

We've all been there, the temperatures start to drop for the first time each fall and a familiar light illuminates—your tire pressure is low. If you've ever wondered why this happens, we'll explain here. 

 

Yes, cold affects your tire pressure. When cold weather hitsl, your vehicle's tires might decrease by roughly 1 PSI, or pounds per square inch, every time the temperature drops by 10 degrees. For example, if the temperature decreases by 20 degrees, then your vehicle's tire pressure can decrease by 2 PSI. However, this is not because air escapes your vehicle's tires.

 

Instead, the cold weather causes the air in your tires to condense. Because of this, the air does not occupy as much space in your tires in cold weather. However, this is only temporary. If you start driving your vehicle, this will cause the tire pressure to increase, since driving makes the tire heat up. 

 

 

The most convenient place to go to check your cold weather tire pressure is a gas station with an air machine you can use to fill the tires. The majority of gas stations include these air machines, but not all of them. You will normally find these air machines outside.

 

In some cases, you may even notice that the air machine is labeled 'Air'. You should ensure that you pull your car far enough up to the air machine so it is centered on your vehicle. Doing so ensures that the air hose can actually get to all of your vehicle's tires. 

 

Choose one tire to start and find the tire's PSI label. You can find it written on your driver's side door. At the end of the label, you should see numbers followed by PSI. For example, you might see 30-40 PSI. That means that the tire needs between 30-40 PSI to work safely. 

 

You should then take off the tire air stem cap. Next, take hold of the air hose and take it over to the tire. The majority of air hoses include a trigger assembly at the end. The tip should fit over the air stem's end. You then have to take a look at the pressure bar or display in order to figure out your tire's current PSI level. 

 

The ideal pressure for your tires varies depending on the time of year. When you are driving your vehicle in the winter months, it is best if your vehicle's cold weather tire pressure remains between 30 PSI and 35 PSI. This helps make sure that your vehicle will be able to run smoothly even on roads that are covered in snow.

 

You should not keep the PSI of your vehicle's tire pressure any lower than 30 PSI in the winter. If you do keep your tire pressure lower than 30 PSI in the winter, your tires might cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Alternatively, if your tire pressure is lower than 30 PSI in winter, your tires might become stuck in the snow. 

 

In winter, you should make sure that your vehicle's tire pressure is a bit higher than normal. More specifically, there are several owner's manuals from manufacturers that advise that you should keep your tire pressure between 3-5 PSI higher than it is during the summer months. This increases the longevity of your tires. However, keeping your tire pressure 3-5 PSI higher in winter also improves tire performance, as well. 

 

If you ever require any services for your vehicle's tires, the team at your local United Tire location is standing by to help. You can call or schedule online for your next tire service today.