What You Need to Know About Tire Pressure in Winter vs Summer 

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When it comes to vehicle maintenance, one aspect that often goes overlooked is tire pressure and how it changes with the seasons. Knowing how your tire pressure shifts between winter and summer is crucial. Getting it right doesn’t just make your tires last longer, it also plays a huge role in how your car performs, how safe you are on the road, and even how much gas you use throughout the year. Below, let’s dive into what you need to know about seasonal tire pressure fluctuations.

Why Tire Pressure Changes with the Weather

Tire pressure is affected by temperature due to the simple laws of physics. Air expands when it’s warm and contracts when it’s cold. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tire pressure can drop by approximately 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). That means if you inflate your tires to the recommended level on a warm summer day, they could be significantly under-inflated once winter rolls around. This change may seem small, but it has a measurable impact on your car’s performance.

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can lower fuel economy, affect handling, and increase wear and tear. Overinflated tires, common in hot summer months if tires aren’t adjusted, can reduce traction and cause uneven tread wear.

Tire Pressure in Winter

In winter, cold air causes the air molecules inside your tires to contract, lowering the internal pressure. If not monitored and corrected, the impact of tire pressure during winter can lead to a host of safety issues like:

• Handling and control: Low tire pressure can make steering sluggish, increase braking distance, and reduce overall control particularly dangerous on icy or snow-covered roads.
• Tire damage: Driving on underinflated tires increases the risk of sidewall flexing, which leads to overheating and potential tire failure. Even though the road is cold, friction can still generate excessive heat in improperly inflated tires.
• Fuel efficiency: Soft tires create more resistance against the road, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

Tire Pressure in Summer

Summer heat causes air in your tires to expand, potentially pushing PSI levels above the manufacturer’s recommended range. While high tire pressure may seem less dangerous, it comes with its own risks.

• Reduced traction: Overinflated tires have a smaller contact patch with the road, meaning less grip especially dangerous during sudden stops or sharp turns.
• Bumpy rides: Too much pressure stiffens the tire, making the ride less comfortable and increasing the chance of accident damage from potholes or debris.
• Uneven tire wear: Overinflated tires wear down the center of the tread faster than the edges, reducing overall lifespan and performance.

Why Manufacturer Recommendations Matter

Every vehicle comes with a recommended tire pressure range, usually found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. This range accounts for a balance of handling, ride comfort, load-carrying capacity, and fuel economy.

Seasonal fluctuations mean you should check and adjust pressure more frequently like ideally once a month, and before long road trips. Keep in mind that the PSI listed on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum allowable pressure, not the optimal operating pressure. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation rather than inflating to the max.

How to Check Tire Pressure Correctly

Whether it’s summer or winter, consistent tire pressure monitoring is a must. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use a reliable gauge: Digital or dial gauges are more accurate than the small pencil-style ones.
• Check cold tires: Always check tire pressure when the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours.
• Measure all four tires: Don’t assume they’re all the same. Individual tires can behave differently.
• Adjust accordingly: Inflate or deflate to the recommended PSI. Be cautious not to over-correct.