Have you ever seen the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light come on on your dashboard on a day when the morning temperature dropped sharply? It might not actually be a flat tire. Since air contracts when it gets cold, the pressure inside the tires drops as the temperature falls. Checking it now, before winter arrives, will give you great peace of mind.
Why does air pressure drop when it is cold?
It is generally known that tire pressure decreases by about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 5 to 6 degrees Celsius) drop in temperature. In addition, even without a puncture, air leaks out through the rubber, causing a natural decrease of about 0.25 to 1 psi per month. This is why it is common for the warning light to come on in the fall and winter as the air pressure set in the summer becomes a few psi short.
Inspection sequence
1) Measure it when the tea has cooled down. The most accurate readings are obtained in the morning before driving, after the tires have cooled down by parking for at least 3 hours. The readings will appear higher immediately after driving due to heat.
2) The reference value is the sticker on the inside of the car door, not the side of the tire. Follow the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure (placard) visible when you open the driver's door. The numbers on the tire sidewall are the maximum allowable values and are not the standard for everyday use.
3) Check all four wheels and the spare. If the gauge indicates low levels, fill it up to the recommended value. If only one side is unusually low, it could be due to a flat tire or valve damage, so please have it checked at a repair shop.
4) If the warning light does not turn off even after filling with air Check if it remains on after driving for a while, and if it still does not turn off, you can suspect a sensor battery (life of about 5 to 10 years) or an actual leak.
Things that are good to make into habits
It is recommended to check tire pressure once a month, and once more after temperatures drop significantly. Insufficient tire pressure causes tires to wear out quickly, reduces fuel efficiency, and can lead to unstable braking and steering on wet or snowy roads. Conversely, overfilling the tires reduces grip, so putting in too much is not necessarily a good thing.
Keep a small gauge in the glove box. It is more convenient to check it at the same time you switch to winter tires.
Source: Autoblog 'Low Tire Pressures In Cold Weather: The 10°F Rule''
https://www.autoblog.com/maintenance/low-tire-pressures-in-cold-weather-the-10f-rule-every-driver-should-know
Jalopnik 'Why You Should Always Check Your Tires After A Cold Snap''
https://www.jalopnik.com/2104478/why-you-should-check-tires-after-cold-snap/
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