What You Should Know About Tire Pressure And Cold Weather

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is necessary for good handling

, traction and durability during cold weather. Changing temperatures cause air pressure to fluctuate. Decreasing temperature can cause tire pressure to drop about one psi for every drop of ten degrees Fahrenheit.

Even without fluctuating air temperatures, a tire can lose about one psi every month. Therefore, if your tires are checked every two to three months, the tire's inflation pressure will probably be two to three psi lower than is recommended.

Checking and Maintaining Tire Pressure

The Tire Industry Safety Council advises checking tire pressure every month in the winter to see if it meets the manufacturer's recommended levels. Tire pressure should also be checked before any long trips. For car owners that don't know their car's recommended pressure level, it is generally located on a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door. It can also be on the inside of the glove box or fuel door.

Maintaining constant tire pressure can be accomplished by checking more frequently, especially during drastic changes in temperature. In fact, checking tires once a week is a good practice. This will allow drivers to refill lost pressure that escapes over time. It will also help discover any minor punctures before the tire's internal structure is damaged.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under-inflation is a major cause of tire failure and tire related motor vehicle crashes. Maintaining correct tire inflation helps decrease chances of having an accident and extends the life of your tires. Here are some reasons why the proper inflation is a not just great advice, but necessary.

Underinflated Tires

Underinflated tires will perform less effectively. Steering precision, cornering stability and fuel economy can all suffer. If a tire is underinflated it struggles to maintain its shape. When in contact with the road, the tire will become flatter. As the under inflation gets worse (under five psi) the tire's internal structure can weaken and there is a risk of tire failure. It might not seem like much, but five psi generally accounts for 20 percent of a single tire's recommended pressure level. An indication that your tire has been consistently low is the excessive wear near the outside edge of your tire.

Overinflated Tires

As pliable as an underinflated tire is, an overinflated tire is the opposite, it's rigid and inflexible. On the road this will decrease the size of the tire's footprint. If a tire is inflated more than five psi over the recommended level, it is more susceptible to damage from a pothole or piece of debris on the road. They also wear faster. You can tell if a tire has been overinflated by the increased treadwear on the center of the tire where it contacts the road.

Unless tire pressure is off significantly it is impossible to look at a tire and accurately gauge the pressure. The best way to check is to take your car into a local tire retailer who can quickly adjust the tire pressure.

For the best performance from your tires during the winter, maintain correct tire inflation. Drivers will receive the best fuel economy, traction and handling from their tires with proper tire pressure.

by: Steve Julius

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