If you have ever been driving during winter/cold temperatures, you probably have experienced your tire pressure monitoring system light illuminated due to cold weather. Every year, winter temperatures affect the tire pressure monitoring system. Here’s why cold temperatures affect tire pressure and what to do about it.
What Is a TPMS Light?
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light can often go unnoticed or even ignored since many consider it unimportant. However, maintaining proper air pressure in your tires is vital to both the drivability and safety of your vehicle. Low pressure in one or more tires can drastically impact the way your vehicle handles and lead to accidents.
How Does Cold Weather Affect My Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure can decrease about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees the temperature lowers. It isnt due to air escaping, but rather the air inside the tire condensing. Once that takes place, the overall space in the tire decreases. When a tire drops below the recommended fill pressure, the TPMS will illuminate. Fortunately, the pressure change that happens is commonly temporary, as driving will often heat the tires and the air inside, increasing the tire’s pressure. Your TPMS light may flash if your vehicle’s onboard computer can’t detect the sensor, whether it has been damaged or you are using your spare tire. While many vehicle spares do have a sensor, some do not.
Winter Tire Pressure
Winter temperatures can affect tire pressure by up to 10 PSI. Depending on how cold it is, the TPMS light will likely shut off on its own as the air in your tires warms, expands, and reaches proper inflation levels. Regardless of this, get your air checked right away. The TPMS light indicates that your tires are underinflated, meaning they are below the proper air pressure. This is a huge safety risk, especially in the winter, as the drop in air pressure can cause compromised handling and increased wear and tear on your tires. In some cases, gas mileage may also be affected.
Why Proper Tire Pressure Matters
Reduced Traction
Underinflated tires create less contact with the road, greatly reducing traction. This is especially dangerous in winter when icy or snowy roads are already challenging to navigate.
Increased Tire Wear
Tires wear unevenly when underinflated, leading to premature tire replacement. This can be costly and inconvenient, especially during the holiday season.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making your car work harder and consume more fuel. With gas prices fluctuating, maintaining proper tire pressure is an easy way to save money.
Higher Risk of a Blowout
Severely under-inflated tires are more prone to blowouts, which can be catastrophic at high speeds, particularly in icy or snowy conditions.
TPMS Services at Scott’s U-Save
TPMS systems can fail over time, and ensuring yours is working correctly is important to your safety while driving. The experts at Scott’s U-Save can repair or replace components to keep the system functioning as it should, so you always have an accurate reading of your tire pressure and peace of mind. Call or schedule an appointment online with us today!