How does the cold affect tire pressure?

If you were to ask many drivers about low tire pressure, most of them would probably say that a leak is the biggest culprit of underinflated tires, but nothing affects tire pressure quite as much as the cold weather does. Air, just like any other gas, is greatly affected by changes in the temperature. When the temperatures drops, the molecules in the air start to move closer together, which reduces the volume and causes our tires to lose some of their pressure. While you certainly can’t control the temperature, you can make it a point to keep an eye on your tire pressure.

Make sure that your tires are always properly inflated by keeping a close eye on your tire pressure.

If the last time you put air in your tires was in the summer or early fall, you need to make it a point to check on your tire pressure as soon as you can. For every ten degrees the temperature drops, the air pressure in your tires will drop from one to two pounds. It is always a good idea to check your tire pressure at the onset of winter, but it is just as important to check it regularly throughout the winter. In fact, according to Goodyear, you should use a pressure gauge to check your tires at least once a month.

At Off Road Rim Financing, we offer the best tires financing available, but we also want to help you stay safe while you are out on the road, and proper tire pressure is very important for your safety. Learn about the risks of driving with underinflated tires when you stay tuned for our next blog.