How to Inflate Tires in Cold Weather

by William Adkins
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Properly inflated tires contribute to your driving safety by improving traction and handling. In addition, tires that are properly inflated endure less wear and tear and therefore last longer. It’s especially important to keep your tires at the proper pressure during winter months because of the likelihood of encountering hazardous driving conditions

Step 1

Check the recommended tire pressure as stated by the manufacturer. If you don’t know the proper tire pressure, look on the tire manufacturer’s website.

Step 2

Use a tire gauge to check the pressure in each tire frequently during cold weather, about once a week. Don’t forget to check the spare tire. When the weather turns cold, tire pressure will drop about one pound per square inch for each 10 degree drop in temperature.

Step 3

Measure your tire pressure before you start driving. Tire manufacturer’s guidelines assume tire pressure is measured when the tires are cold, meaning they haven’t warmed up from being driven. If you measure the pressure after driving, you will get an incorrect reading.

Step 4

Avoid deflating your tires in an effort to improve traction on ice or snow. This method does not work. Severely deflated tires generate a lot of heat and may blow out, causing an accident.

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