Cold weather effects tyre pressure! Cold weather effects air pressure. As a rule of thumb, air pressure drops by 1-2 PSI or 0.07 to 0.14 bar with every 10°C.
Maintaining correct tyre pressure not only ensures optimal traction and grip on any road surface, it also gives you more mileage for your fuel and even reduces CO2 emissions. However, as soon as the temperature drops during cold winter months, it’s important to be vigilant of your tyres’ inflation pressure.
Let’s take a closer look at how cold weather affects air pressure and how you can effectively monitor it for maximum driving comfort.
When the temperature drops, tyre pressure drops with it
How does cold weather affect tyre inflation?
As a rule of thumb, when the temperature decreases by 10°C, tyre pressure drops between 0.07 to 0.14 bars or 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (PSI). Furthermore, if you live in or travel to a location where there is high elevation, tyre pressure is further reduced with every added meter of altitude. For this reason, it’s important to regularly check and maintain all four of your tyres’ inflation levels.
Not sure what your tire pressure should be? There are several places you can find it in your vehicle:
- On the fuel filler door
- On the door frames of the driver’s and passenger sides
- Your vehicle’s manufacturer’s handbook
How to check and adjust your tyre pressure
As inflation tends to drop with the temperature in cold weather, it’s important to check tyre inflation every two weeks. Here are some simple tips to help you check and adjust your tyre pressure:
- Ensure your tyres are cold.
You’ll get a more accurate reading if you check the pressure first thing in the morning or when they haven’t been used for some hours. - Always check your vehicle’s handbook.
If you’re not sure, refer to the vehicle’s manufacturer’s handbook. It will specify the minimum amount of air pressure needed in cold tyres to support your vehicle.
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