Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so keeping them properly inflated is important for safety, handling, and saving fuel. However, changes in the weather can affect tire pressure. From cold winter mornings to hot summer days, knowing how temperature affects tire pressure helps you stay safe all year.
Tire Pressure in Cold Weather
As temperatures drop, it’s normal for tire pressure to decrease. For every 10°F the temperature falls, your tire pressure can drop by about 1–2 PSI. This means tire pressure in cold weather often drops below the recommended level, especially during cold nights or winter weather.
When tire pressure drops too low:
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Your tires can wear out faster
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Fuel economy may suffer
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Handling and braking performance may decrease
What to do:
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Check your tire pressure more frequently in the winter—ideally once a week.
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Fill your tires to the recommended PSI listed in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door.
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Avoid overinflating your tires in an attempt to offset cold temperatures. Instead, adjust pressure according to real-time readings.
How Heat Affects Tire Pressure
Wondering if heat affects tire pressure? Absolutely. Warm temperatures cause the air in your tires to expand. On a hot day, your tire pressure could rise by several PSI, especially after driving for a while.
In extreme cases, high pressure can lead to overinflation, causing:
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Uneven tread wear
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Reduced traction
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A bumpier ride
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Increased risk of tire blowouts
What to do:
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Check your tire pressure when the tires are “cold”—before driving or after the car has been parked for a few hours.
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Avoid deflating tires after seeing a high reading in hot conditions unless it’s significantly over the recommended limit.
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Keep your tires properly inflated to handle the seasonal expansion and contraction.
Tire Pressure Change With Temperature
Tire pressure changes with temperature are a natural result of physics. Cold causes air to contract, while heat causes it to expand. These fluctuations can affect your driving experience and vehicle performance if not monitored.
Helpful Tips to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Year-Round:
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Invest in a quality tire pressure gauge and check levels regularly.
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Make tire pressure checks part of your monthly routine or before long drives.
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Use your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as a guide, but don’t rely on it alone.
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Visit a trusted service center if you’re unsure how to check or adjust tire pressure.
Stay Ahead of Tire Pressure Problems
Whether it’s winter’s chill or summer’s heat, staying ahead of pressure changes helps your tires last longer and keeps you safer on the road. Regular checks and small adjustments go a long way toward avoiding unnecessary wear or tire damage.
If you need help checking or adjusting your tire pressure, stop by Hawk Mazda’s service center for quick and professional support.