As cooler weather rolls in, you may notice your tire pressure warning light making an appearance. Don’t panic—it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a flat. When temperatures drop, the air inside your tires contracts, causing tire pressure to decrease. As a general rule, you can lose about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature, so a sudden cold snap can be enough to trigger your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system.
If your light comes on, check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and compare the reading to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door. Don’t use the number printed on the tire itself; that’s the tire’s maximum pressure, not necessarily the pressure your vehicle needs. If the pressure is low, add air to the recommended level and keep an eye on it over the next few days.
While you’re checking your pressure, take a quick look at the tires themselves. Look for uneven tread wear, cracks, bulges, or anything that may have become lodged in the tire. You can check tread depth with a gauge or use a penny for a quick visual check. If one tire repeatedly loses pressure while the others remain steady, that could indicate a slow leak that needs professional attention.
A few minutes of tire maintenance when the seasons change can go a long way. Properly inflated tires can help your vehicle handle properly, promote even tire wear, and help you avoid an unexpected problem on the road. So when that little warning light comes on this fall, take it as a reminder to give your tires a quick check—not necessarily a reason to worry.