The height of winter is right on top of us, and with it,
even colder temperatures looming. Maintaining correct tire pressure in this
cold weather takes a bit more vigilance, but will reward you with a safer and
more fuel-efficient driving experience.
As the outside temperature drops, the air temperature inside
your tires does too. The decrease in temperature causes the air to contract,
which lowers the air pressure in your tires. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit
the temperature drops, your tires can lose about 1 pound per square inch (PSI)
of pressure. Since it’s generally recommended to keep your tires within 5 PSI
of the recommended pressure, it becomes more important in winter to check your
tires regularly.
Tire pressure can be affected by variances in temperature
throughout the day as well. Checking your tire pressure at midnight and again
in the warmest part of the afternoon would surely give you different readings. And,
after driving for a bit, the air in your tires will heat up and also affect the
PSI.
The key to maintaining correct tire pressure in the winter
is to keep an eye on fluctuating temperatures and adjust accordingly. If there
are slightly warmer days in the forecast, you can lower your tire pressure to
compensate. If you find yourself in the middle of a cold snap, increasing tire
pressure is recommended to maintain control and grip on icy roads. Most
importantly, keep in mind that a manufacturer's recommended air pressure for
your tires is the cold temperature, not the pressure after you've been driving
for a few minutes.
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