The weather is getting colder, have you noticed the tire pressure warning light that comes on while driving? This is due to the cold weather and your tires losing air pressure.
Understanding tire pressure changes is important to keep your car performs at its best.
In this article, you’ll learn how to properly adjust the air pressure in your tires so that they can be driven at a safe level during the winter months.
How Does Cold Weather Impact Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure may decrease as the weather gets colder. During winter months, tire pressure typically drops by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in temperature. This reduction can compromise your vehicle’s traction on icy or snow-covered roads.
For vehicles equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), this handy feature monitors air pressure and alerts the driver to any discrepancies.
Winter Tire Pressure for SUVs and Trucks
Typically, this type of vehicles run at just under 35 PSI for most of the year. However, it is recommended to inflate your tires in winter to ensure consistent performance and security.
The tire pressure on these vehicles in winter ought to be around 35-40 PSI to account for the higher payload and the impact of cold weather .
Ideal Winter Tire Pressures for the Sedan
Unlike heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks, sedans require lower PSI for a smooth driving experience.
For winter driving, we recommend adding 1 – 3 PSI to the manufacturer’s recommended value. Typically, the ideal pressure is between 30-35 PSI.
General Tire Pressure Guidelines for Vehicles
For most passenger cars and light trucks, the ideal maximum tire pressure in cold weather lies between 30-35 PSI.
Before making any adjustments, it’s wise to check your vehicle’s current PSI. In winter, it is important to increase tire pressure by a few PSI in time to offset air condensation that causes the temperature to drop, ensuring tire performance and safe driving.
Unsure about the right winter tire pressure for your vehicle? Perhaps our suggested tire pressure levels for winter driving below could be a useful reference.
Remember, regular inspections and adjusting tire pressure based on environmental conditions are keys to safe driving.
Discover more about ATOTO TPMS (AC-UTP1) in below video! Stay warm and drive safely with ATOTO to explore more different worlds!
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