It’s important to realize that air pressure, not your actual tires, supports the weight of your vehicle. Proper air pressure is therefore a significant factor in handling, traction, and durability.
When the air in your tire heats up, it expands. When it cools, it compresses. This directly affects the air pressure.
For every 10 degrees increase in temperature, your air pressure will increase by approximately 1 psi.
Conversely, for every 10 degrees drop in temperature, your air pressure will decrease by approximately 1 psi.
Though this doesn’t sound drastic, it takes a toll over time, particularly when temperatures change from season to season. For example, if you check your pressure on recently driven tires in the afternoon, by the next morning during the coolest part of the day the pressure could have dropped by as much as 5-10 psi. This is enough to impact performance, fuel efficiency and treadwear. It is critically important to check your tire’s air pressure regularly, especially during colder months.
Tires heat up while in motion as well, causing the tire pressure to increase. We recommend checking your pressure after the vehicle has rested and the tires have cooled down.
There are other scenarios where you need to account for temperature and your tires. For instance, if you live in a colder environment and you have a heated garage, the sudden change between the garage and the outside air can cause your tire pressure to decrease rapidly.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Drop by your nearest America's Tire store, give us a ring, or save some time and make an appointment online.
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