Check tire pressure more often as temperature drops
You may notice that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator on the instrument panel illuminates more frequently as the weather gets colder. The Car Care Committee recommends regular checks of tire pressure during the winter to help close the tire pressure monitoring system and ensure vehicle safety.
According to Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Committee, “At this time of the year, drivers usually get warnings from the tire pressure monitoring system and then worry about their tires.” “Normally the driver will see this in the coldest hours of the morning. As the temperature rises, the light may go out, but it is likely that there will still be a few pounds per square inch of tire inflation. That's why it is important to check tire pressure regularly."
According to the U.S.Tire Manufacturers Association, tire pressure is reduced by 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees of reduction. Checking tire pressure is important for vehicle safety, tire life and gasoline mileage.
If the tire pressure is not correct, the fuel mileage will decrease by 0.3% for every four pounds of air pressure per liter, and the fuel efficiency will increase by 3.3% while maintaining the correct tire pressure.
“The tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. It is important to note that the new car tire pressure monitoring system may not alert you until the tire is significantly under-inflated, so you may want to check it more often,” White said. “It is important to check the tire pressure when there is a major change in the weather and to check the tire pressure more often during the winter.”
