Tips for keeping your tires properly inflated this winter

As colder temperatures settle in, you may notice a warning light on your car’s dashboard. While there are many warning lights to pay attention to, the light for your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) tends to come on this time of year. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, tire pressure can fluctuate from one to two pounds per square inch (PSI).

If not taken care of, low tire pressure can be dangerous. A lot rides on our tires. Not only the weight of the car but also our safety. Low tire pressure can cause the following problems:

• Reduced vehicle handling. Underinflated tires can cause poor cornering and braking along with diminished traction.
• Reduced gas mileage. Gas mileage tends to decrease during the winter months. Underinflated tires can cause increased drag which can lower gas mileage even further.
• Reduced tire life. Making unnecessary repairs isn’t fun. Low tire pressure can cause a blowout which can be frightening, especially if traveling at highway speeds. It also causes uneven wear, which will lead to early replacement.
• Reduced overall tire integrity. Driving with underinflated tires can make them more susceptible to punctures. If you live in a cold climate, you know potholes become a problem as winter progresses. Hitting a pothole can be startling if you don’t expect it. Blowing a tire as a result can be frustrating.

Here are some tips for preparing for and handling low tire pressure this winter.

If you’re driving, pull over.

If a warning light appears while you’re driving, pull over immediately. This could signal a serious issue like a flat tire. Make sure it’s safe before exiting your vehicle to check; it should be obvious if one of your tires is completely deflated. If you find a flat tire, contact roadside assistance or reach out to a family member for help. Keep in mind, changing a tire on the roadside can be both challenging and risky.  

Know the recommended tire pressure numbers for your vehicle.

More technologically advanced vehicles will display the tire pressure for each tire on a screen. This makes it easy to monitor them. If your vehicle doesn’t show you, it’s good to know where to find this information. The recommended cold tire pressures (PSI) are on a placard on the driver’s side door jamb. Sometimes tire pressure requirements for front and rear tires differ, so read the entire card.

Keep a tire gauge in your car.

Pencil-like tire gauges are easy to use and affordable. It’s best to keep one in your vehicle no matter the time of the year.

Practice.

If you haven't inspected your tires before, it's a good idea to learn how in the safety of your garage. Removing the valve stem cap is straightforward, but connecting the gauge to the valve stem can be a bit tricky; if it isn't positioned correctly, air might escape and lower your tire pressure. Practicing in a controlled environment prepares you to handle this situation if it happens while you're away from home.

Now’s the time to check your tires more regularly. If you rely on your mechanic to check your tire pressure only at oil changes or tire rotations, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk.