Updated November 7, 2024
Temperatures are dropping across the state. And so is the tire pressure of some vehicles.
With the cooler months quickly approaching, it’s a good idea to perform certain kinds of car maintenance.
Monitoring the air in a car’s tires is one suggestion as we head into wintertime.
When a tire has the right amount of pressure, it can prolong the tire’s lifespan and help protect motorists.
When to check tire pressure
Tire pressure should be checked on a regular basis. We also recommend having an automotive technician look at it during oil changes.
As very cold days arrive suddenly, the pounds per square inch (PSI) decrease.
“When you check your tire pressure and they’re all equally low, it’s just because of the change of temperature,” Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire Owner Scott Whitling.
Leaking tire on a Honda Pilot
If the pressure of one tire is much lower than the rest, the tire needs to be checked. This could be the result of a leak.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all flat tires are repairable. The location and angle of an injury can determine if the tire may be fixed.
Signs of low pressure
A lot of vehicles found on the road today have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). One indicator that you don’t have enough air in one or more tires is the TPMS light appearing on your dashboard.
Those who drive a car without TPMS should be on the lookout for tires that are wider where they meet the ground. They may experience poor handling, as well.
Drivers shouldn’t travel for long distances after their vehicle notifies them of the low tire pressure.
“It causes extra wear on the tires,” Whitling said. “Also, when it comes down to handling and emergency stops, you want those tires performing correctly. You don’t want them being too soft or too flexible, where they’re not able to really do their job.”
Tires that have too much air is another problem that should be avoided. This can lead to tire wear in the middle.
How to check tire pressure?
It only takes a few steps to check the tire pressure.
Apprentice Technician checking tire pressure on a Subaru Forester
You will want to start by confirming how much air should be in your tires. These details are located on the tire sidewall and driver’s side door jam.
Then, take off the valve stem cap and use a tire pressure gauge. We recommend checking a couple of times.
Make sure to put the valve stem cap back on to keep corrosion from building up on the stem and TPMS sensor.
If you or your kids don’t have a tire pressure gauge, consider picking one up. This tool can come in handy, especially if you’re checking at home or in a rural area. Plus, the ones you find at gas stations aren’t always accurate.
Can Nitrogen be used?
Some travelers fill their tires with Nitrogen, which can help keep pressure more consistent than air.
“If it’s needed, you can go ahead and put air in with the Nitrogen,” Whitling said. “When you are able to, go to your service center — like Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire — and we can do the Nitrogen recharge for you.”
Whitling suggests individuals who use Nitrogen to adjust the pressure this time of year because of the temperature change.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.