As the winter season is in full swing, the cold can directly affect your car’s tire pressure, and quite significantly! It is very important for drivers to know how to control tire pressure in winter for safety reasons and to keep their car in good performance. We will discuss the main factors that cause tire deflation in winter, the danger of driving with flat tires, and the best ways to keep your tires in good shape all winter long.
Causes of the Tire Pressure Changes in Winter
If you are in search of reliable and professional tire care, look no further; our auto repair shop is the place to be. Our support will be present throughout the harsh winter phase, steering you along the difficult paths and verifying that your vehicle is secure and trustworthy. Don’t let your vehicle’s tire troubles in the cold weather catch you unprepared. Get your tires serviced and experience the comfort that a cautious driver brings. Call us today at (610) 590-9974 to schedule an appointment or for questions regarding our services.
Underinflated tires can cause accidents, especially during the winter months when the road conditions are difficult. Tire failure, blowouts, tread separation, premature tire wear, and even overheating can be caused by an increased friction from an underinflated tire. The sidewalls of your tires flex more than they should during cornering and braking, causing the tread to squirm and resulting in reduced traction. Low-pressure tires will also have an impact on the steering and handling. When you are cornering and braking, the tire’s sidewall will be more pliable than it should be, which will result in tread squirming and finally reduce stability and traction. This even gets to be a huge problem when driving on icy or snowy roads, where vehicle control is a very important aspect.
There is also an economic factor as a significant concern brought on by under-inflated tires. The greater the contact area between your tires and the road, the more the rolling resistance and friction increase, leading to poor gas mileage and higher fuel bills as well. That being said, excessive wear might prompt you to buy new tires sooner, which is another cost addition. Your carefulness with tire pressure can make you save on fuel and at the same time get your tires with a longer life span, it becomes an economical practice for every driver.
Tire Pressure Management in Cold Weather
Though you can do nothing about the weather, there are several routes to take that will help you properly manage your tire pressure during the cold winter months. One of the most useful things that will work in your favor is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System that is available in your car. The TPMS light, however, should not be considered good enough for tire pressure monitoring alone because it only comes on when the tire air is at least 25% lower than the recommended level. For tires performing at their best, it is recommended that their pressure be checked regularly and filled to the recommended level whenever the need arises.
The tire pressure check is simple and can be done with a tire gauge. Follow this step-by-step guide to make things easier for you:
- Remove the cap from the tire valve.
- Make sure the gauge’s measurement stick is completely inside the tire gauge.
- Place the open end of the gauge firmly over the tire valve stem.
- As soon as the measurement stick extends out, consult the PSI reading on the far right of the stick.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times to ensure accuracy, then repeat on every tire.
Should there be any underinflated tires, you can at least pump them up at any gas station that offers a commercial inflator, or if you take them to a local tire dealer. Tire pressure checking and maintenance are not only steps toward increasing safety, but also the longevity of your tires when done regularly, as it is a simple yet effective measure.
Of course, regular checking is one way to maintain this, but what is more important is to know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. In most cases, this can be seen in the vehicle’s user manual or in the sticker located inside the driver’s side door. When you plan to inflate the tires, see to it that the pressure used is the recommended one, not the maximum pressure that can be seen in the tire. In this way, the desired performance, safety, and fuel efficiency can be achieved.
Help from Professionals for Best Tire Care
We at Maclane’s Automotive in Malvern, PA, recognize good tire maintenance as an essential part of vehicular care during the wintertime. The group of skilled technicians at our service center is ready to assist you with every aspect of your tire care, from preventive measures to emergency repairs. We do tire pressure settings or repairs, but more importantly, we are equipped with the specialists and tools to perform the service correctly the first time. Customer relationships and premium service that keep you safe on the road are what our family-owned shop is dedicated to.
To illustrate, when you take care of your tires, the first thing to do is to prevent them from going bad. Regular maintenance and timely repairs might even save you from expensive ones later. We suggest tire inspection every now and then and addressing troubles immediately when they show up. The crew is at your service to point out the possible issues before they turn into major worries, so you can enjoy your tires in their best condition throughout winter.
Besides checking tire pressures, we provide other services to keep your vehicle fit. Our services include oil changes and brake services, including extensive emergency repairs! Our team is ready for all your automobile needs. We take pride in the quality of our work and customer satisfaction, so we are the preferred choice for car repair in Malvern, PA.
If you are in search of reliable and professional tire care, look no further; Maclane’s Automotive is the place to be. Our support will be present throughout the harsh winter phase, steering you along the difficult paths and verifying that your vehicle is secure and trustworthy. Don’t let your vehicle’s tire troubles in the cold weather catch you unprepared. Get your tires serviced and experience the comfort that a cautious driver brings. Call us today at (610) 590-9974 to schedule an appointment or for questions regarding our services. Allow us to be your dependable partner for all your automotive needs.
