Stay Safe: Adjusting Tire Pressure in Colder Weather

Cold weather brings slick roadways covered in ice and snow. Tire tread and proper inflation are critical for staying safe on the road throughout the winter.

Maintaining the air pressure in your tires at an ideal level does more than improve traction on slippery roads. It affects slowing and stopping times. Keeping your tires properly inflated can dramatically reduce your risk of an accident and help you enjoy better fuel economy. It can even reduce wear and tire on your vehicle and minimize the cost of repairs.

However, the air pressure in your tires decreases as temperatures plummet. This is because colder air is denser and takes up less space inside the tires. As a result, the air pressure in your tires must be adjusted.

Before adjusting your tires’ air pressure, read the owner’s manual for instructions. You will find the manufacturer’s recommended psi, which is a unit of measurement for air pressure. If you have installed winter tires, however, they may need to be inflated up to 5 psi higher. This is because air pressure in winter tires decreases more rapidly than it does in all-season tires.

When making the air pressure adjustment, use a quality air pressure gauge. Ensure that you use it correctly to prevent a false reading. If you have concerns, consider bringing your car to our service center at Bill Brown Ford for seasonal service.