Air Pressure

 Tires support the weight of your car, right? Actually, they don’t. The air pressure inside the tire is what supports the car. The tire is basically just a container to put the air in. The correct air pressure is required for good handling, traction and durability.  However, you can’t just set it and forget it. In most parts of North America, fall and early winter months are the most critical times to check inflation pressures because the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting colder. And since air is a gas, it contracts when cooled.

            For every 10 degrees fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi. It will go down with lower temps, and up with higher temps.  The typical difference between summer and winter temperatures is about 50 degrees F. which results in a loss of about 5 psi. and  will sacrifice handling, traction, durability, fun, and safety.

            The tire pressure recommended in your vehicle owners manual or tire information sticker is a “cold” pressure, so it should be checked in the morning before you drive the car more than a few miles. And by the way, if you park in a heated garage, you will “lose” pressure when you leave its warmth and venture out into the cold. You may want to add 1 psi for each 10-degree f. in difference to compensate.

            Keep in mind that tires tend to lose about 1 psi per month, so
check them often.