Tyre Pressure for Winter: How Cold Weather Affects Your Tyres

Does cold weather affect tyre pressure? The short answer: Yes. Understanding tyre pressure for winter is essential for the health of your tyres and for your overall safety on the road. Whether you’re preparing for frosty commutes or long drives in winter weather, our handy guide provides the information you need to understand tyre pressure in winter to drive safely and confidently in cold weather. Let's get started!

Why Tyre Pressure Drops in Cold Weather

The pressurised air inside tyres contracts in cold weather, reducing its volume and causing a noticeable pressure drop. For every 10°C temperature decrease, tyre pressure can drop by 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch). While this might seem small, over winter it can result in up to 15% less air in your tyres. Low tyre pressure affects handling, reduces road traction and increases fuel consumption, making regular checks vital for safe and efficient driving.

Why Low Tyre Pressure in Winter is a Risk

Driving with low tyre pressure in winter isn’t just inconvenient - it’s dangerous and costly. Underinflated tyres are more prone to damage, wear out faster and increase the risk of punctures. Here’s why you should never ignore it:

• Increased Stopping Distances
  Cold weather stiffens tyre rubber and underinflated tyres deform more, reducing traction. This can increase stopping distances by up to four car lengths on slippery roads.
• Higher Fuel Consumption
  Low-pressure tyres create extra rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel, costing you more at the pump.
• Greater Risk of Blowouts
  Underinflated tyres flex excessively, generating heat and stress that can lead to sudden blowouts, especially in harsh winter conditions.

Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure improves safety, saves fuel and extends tyre life. Book a Free Tyre Pressure Check at HiQ today and drive with confidence this winter.

Signs Your Tyres Are Struggling in Cold Weather

Keeping an eye on your tyre pressure is crucial for ensuring safety, improving fuel efficiency and maintaining peak vehicle performance. Watch out for these key signs that your tyres may need attention:

Uneven Tread Wear

Check your tyres for irregular tread patterns. Uneven wear often indicates that pressure isn’t being evenly distributed, causing certain parts of the tyre to wear out faster than others, which can shorten tyre life and compromise handling.

Reduced Grip and Handling

If your car feels less stable or struggles to maintain traction on wet or icy roads, underinflated tyres could be the culprit. Proper pressure ensures better grip and control in challenging conditions.

Unexpected Fuel Usage

A sudden increase in fuel consumption can indicate low tyre pressure, as your engine works harder to overcome rolling resistance.

If you notice any of these signs, check your tyre pressure right away. For peace of mind, consider HiQ’s Free Tyre Pressure Check or a Tyre Pressure Monitoring Service, which alerts you when your tyres are underinflated, helping you stay safe and efficient all winter.

How to Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure in Winter

Most drivers should check tyre pressure at least every two weeks in winter. Follow these simple steps to check and adjust your tyre pressure with confidence:

1. Get Prepared

Invest in a reliable digital or analogue tyre pressure gauge. You can find one online, at auto stores or even use the gauges available at most petrol stations.

Refer to your car manual or the sticker on the driver's door frame for the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. These figures ensure the best performance for your specific vehicle.

2. Ensure Tyres Are Cold

For the most accurate reading, check your tyre pressure when the tyres haven’t been used for a few hours. The morning is ideal as your tyres are naturally cold.

3. Measure Your Tyre Pressure

Unscrew the small cap on the tyre valve to expose it for measurement.

Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until the hissing sound stops. The gauge will display the current pressure.

Check the reading against your car manufacturer’s guidelines to see if any adjustments are needed.

4. Adjust the Tyre Pressure

If the pressure is too low, attach an air compressor to the valve. Slowly inflate the tyre, checking the reading on the compressor gauge until it matches the recommended PSI.

If the pressure is too high, use the gauge to press the valve and release some air. Recheck the pressure to make sure it’s at the correct level.

5. Replace the Valve Caps and Repeat

Once each tyre is properly adjusted, screw the valve cap back on securely and repeat the process for all four tyres.

By following these steps, you can ensure your tyres are winter-ready, enhancing your car’s handling, safety and overall fuel efficiency. Don’t forget, properly inflated tyres last longer, saving you money in the long run! Need help? Find your nearest HiQ centre for expert tyre care.

When to Buy Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are worth buying if you live in an area where temperatures consistently fall below 7°C during winter or if you frequently encounter snow, ice or wet roads. These tyres are specially designed to enhance grip, improve handling and boost safety in cold and challenging conditions, making them an invaluable investment for drivers who face harsh winter weather. For those looking to stay safe and confident on the road, winter tyres provide peace of mind and superior performance when it’s needed most.