Tire Pressure & Cold Weather

[jake75]

When the temps suddenly dropped from the 50 range to the 10-15 range the tire pressure warning on my '09 activated. I was due for a tire rotation at Discount Tire so I went there on a day that was back in the low 40's. They said the tire pressures were about 24 psi. I probably drove only about 50 miles at that low psi but psi might have been less on the 10-15 degree days. Hope I didn't do any damage.

[ImUrOBGYN]

Nah, you'll be fine. You should check your tire pressure a few times a year, minimum. Any major changes in weather have me out there checking them. Purchase a cheap tire gauge for a few bucks. Just a couple psi drop in tire pressures will affect your gas mileage measurably, not to mention the negative impact it has on tire life and handling. I finally grew tired of all the crappy air fill up places that charge you a dollar and then don't work right. So, I finally bought an air tank. I bought a small tank with compressor for just under $100 from Harbor Freight. I also have an old air tank you have to fill manually that was bought for super cheap. Paid for itself in the long run.

Also, from the looks of it, your tires may've been a bit low before the temp drop. Having them super low can damage the tire and even the rim in certain situations but 24psi for awhile shouldn't result in any permanent damage. Just be sure to keep up with them. They're the only thing attaching you and that one and a half tons of metal to the road.

And if you're not comfortable filling your own tires, get comfortable. Easy as filling it with gas. If not, many places will fill your tires for free. Just watch them. I can't count the times I've had places over or under fill tires. Use the recommended pressure not the max pressure listed on the tire. If you have any other questions/concerns, please feel free to ask.

[gtv237]

I check my pressures monthly and the spare every 3 months or so. I'm obviously pretty OCD. I mean I have a digital air chuck and I air mine up to 35.0 psi. 35.1 or 34.9 won't do. Haha.

But honestly, modern tires are extremely resilient. 24psi isnt even close to being dangerously low. I know a lot of racer guys who will drop street tires to 10psi for racing and then go back up to 40psi for street driving.

[ImUrOBGYN]

Depending on temp, the car I'm driving, and how or where I plan on driving it, affects what temps I air my tires. However, for your normal, everyday driver, I simply recommend people use the manufacturer's placard located in your door sill or glovebox, (normally), that lists the recommended tire pressure. This is generally 32psi but can vary from auto to auto.