Why do tires lose pressure in cold weather?

Almost everybody has had their tires go flat or deflated during the cold weather. The main reason for this is that as the temperature drops, the air becomes denser. This means that air contracts in cold weather just as it expands in hot weather.

Due to this, the pressure in the tire reduces. Now, as we know that the tires lose their pressure with time, when we couple that along with the falling temperature, the tires go flat rather quickly. On an average, any tire loses its air pressure at the rate of 1-3 psi every month. This is mainly due to a process called osmosis.

People generally tend to ignore the indicator light in winters that indicates that the tire pressure is low. Many people are of the belief that as long as there is no puncture in the tire of the car, it is good to drive even if the tires are underinflated. There might also be instances where the TPMS monitor goes off after you have driven a few miles. In such situations, we are inclined towards believing that the problem has now been resolved and driving the car is safe.

If you drive your car on low tire pressure, it will be problematic for the following reasons:

1. It will lead to poor fuel economy
2. Driving the car with low air pressure will increase the wear and tear of the tires.
3. There will be less traction on ice, which that will increase the risk of slipping.
4. You will face more turbulence while driving, especially if you are driving on bumpy roads.

Thus, it is advisable that if the tires seem underinflated, think twice before you hit the driveway. This might be a very small issue at first, however, if you continue ignoring the problem, then it could prove to be fatal in the long run. Thus, whenever the TPMS indicator illuminates and indicates that the air pressure is low, you must check each tire and get it filled to the recommended PSI level. TPMS here, refers to the tire pressure monitoring system. Generally, most of the models require a PSI level of 32-35, but to find the accurate numbers, you can check it on the sticker placed inside the panel of the driver's door.

What can you do to fix the low air pressure in cold weather?

There is just one simple solution to this problem, and that is to inflate the tires as per the required PSI. Before you hit the driveway, check the air pressure in your tires. If it is low in any tire, then you must visit the nearest air pump station. This is important not just to avoid any accelerated wear and tear of your tires, but for your own safety as well.