2 Ways Your Tires Are Impacted by Winter Cold

It is important to keep an eye on your tires when the weather starts to turn colder. The temperature drop can change how well your tires ride and effect your safety. Here are some ways winter cold impacts your tires and what you should do to once the temperature starts to dip.

Tire Pressure

When the temperature goes down, air molecules contract. This means the air in your tires takes up less space and your tires lose pressure. Driving on underinflated tires means it takes more time to stop when you apply the brakes. It can also cause them to wear down in an irregular pattern and wear out faster. Driving on underinflated tires also creates more heat and increases rolling resistance.

Cracking

Tires designed for summer driving might not stand up to cold winter temperatures. They might become more rigid, and they could crack when the temperatures drop. Further, tires designed for warmer weather won’t provide grip on snow or ice, making driving treacherous. Winter tires are made with a special compound designed to provide better traction in cold weather.

Remember that a tire will go down about one or two pounds for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Make sure to check your tire pressure after it gets cold and inflate them if needed. It is a good idea to do a quick check about once a month during the winter to make sure they remain at the correct pressure.

Image via Flickr by borderlys

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