When driving in the winter, you have to think about more than icy roads and snowbanks. Cold temperatures can also affect your tires. Appropriate tire pressure and sufficient tread are essential for traction, so any changes to your tires can have a significant impact on your driving. The cold weather’s effect on your tires may not require you to take your car to a mechanic for repair, but you should still be aware of it to avoid damaging your car or tires.
How does cold weather affect your tires? Here’s an overview of what to look out for in the winter.
Tire Pressure & Air
Air molecules contract in the cold, which can reduce your tire pressure. For every 10ºF drop, the air pressure drops by 1 to 2 PSI. After a dramatic temperature drop (more than 10ºF), check your tire pressure. If it has dropped below the recommended level, add some air to get it to the correct PSI. Bear in mind that the pressure drop may not affect all your tires. Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will likely alert you to the drop in pressure.
Rubber & Traction
Cold temperatures also affect the condition of the rubber. Rubber becomes harder and less flexible in the cold. This loss of elasticity can make the rubber brittle and prone to cracking. It can also reduce your tires’ gripping ability, causing your car to lose traction. Winter tires are made from a different type of rubber that performs better in the cold.
Safety & Performance
Lower pressure and harder rubber make your car less safe and more difficult to handle. Your steering response is reduced, and stopping distances are increased. Hard rubber also wears faster, reducing tread depth. To avoid these problems, you should check your tire pressure regularly and consider switching to winter tires. Watch out for potholes and other road hazards that could damage your car and require repair.
Car Repair in Manchester, NH | Redman’s Automotive
Stay safe on the road this winter with expert car repair from Redman’s Automotive. Whether you need new tires, winter tires, an alignment, or some other repair, our team is ready to help!