Watch Your Tires As Temperature Changes!

Image from State Farm

Image from State Farm

Amanda Mourelatos, Associate Editor-in-Chief

With changing weather comes fluctuating tire pressures, which can affect your road safety. Important times to check your pressure are during the fall and early winter. It’s an easy thing to do. “An increase in temperature increases the pressure in your tires,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno; but during the colder time in the year, the tire pressure decreases and that means you need to get your tires refilled.

Photo from Cars

During the cold season, air temperatures range from 40-50 degrees (F) colder than they would be in the summertime. According to Tire Rack, “The lower ambient temperatures allow tires to be more efficient at radiating heat and the tires will run cooler, building up less hot tire pressure. In this case, the 3-5 psi higher recommended inflation pressure increase helps offset the reduced hot tire pressures resulting from less heat buildup.” Not only is the changing weather a factor in your tire pressure, but everyday variances are as well. Therefore, it is suggested that your tire pressure be checked regularly to avoid the psi getting too low.