How Seasonal Change Can Affect Your Tires

Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Your tires support the vehicle and are a critical component of what gets you where you need to go. But did you know that changing temperatures can have a negative impact on your tires? Read on to learn more about tire safety and changing temperatures.

Tire Safety and Changing Temperatures

With temperatures getting colder, you may have noticed your tire pressure warning light flashing, or may sense that your vehicle doesn’t handle quite as well. That may be because of how the changing temperatures affect your tires. The most significant way that cooler temperatures affect your tires is tire pressure.

Cold air contracts, which can cause a drop in tire pressure. Then, as tires absorb heat from the road, the air expands again. This can lead to uneven wear on your tires, which could mean replacing them sooner. It can also cause your vehicle to perform poorly, lose fuel efficiency, and become less safe.

So how do you prevent changing temperatures from ruining your tires? Consider the following tips to ensure tire safety:

  • Review your owner’s manual or the sticker on your doorframe to find out the optimal tire pressure.
  • Check tire pressure before driving more than a few miles, especially if it is cold.
  • Keep in mind that your tire pressure will drop around one PSI for every 10 degrees that drop.
  • If you are unsure about the wear or tread life on your tires, get them checked out before driving long distances.
  • Remember to check your spare tire and ensure that it is in good working order.
  • Keep your tires rotated and balanced on a regular schedule.

While you may not be able to control the temperature, you can control how it impacts the safety and function of your vehicle.

Sources:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=73
https://www.weatherworksinc.com/changing-seasons-and-tire-pressure-temperature