Monthly Archives: November 2024

Why Does Cold Weather Trigger the Low Tire Pressure Warning?

Why Does Cold Weather Trigger the Low Tire Pressure Warning?

Winter rolls in, and before you know it, that pesky low tire pressure warning pops up on your dashboard. It’s one of those signals drivers commonly see as temperatures start to drop, leaving you wondering: did I run over a nail, or is something else at play here? The truth is, cold weather directly impacts your tire pressure—and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a puncture. We'll explain why those warning lights are so common in colder months and how to keep your tires safe and properly inflated all winter. Temperature and Tire Pressure First, let’s talk about the science behind tire pressure. Air, like all gasses, expands when heated and contracts when cooled. This means that as temperatures drop, the air in your tires takes up less space, leading to a decrease in pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops, tire pressure falls by about 1-2 psi (pounds per square inch). If your tires were at the ... read more