Healthy tires are essential. When a tire loses pressure or begins to go bald, they pose a major threat and road hazard. Tires that are not cared for are prone to going flat, blowing out, developing irregular wear patterns and more. One of the essential steps of tire care is maintaining the tire’s ideal pressure. However, what many do not know is that in the winter, your tire loses pressure rapidly. Cold temperatures cause tires to lose their pressure. It is important that during the winter season, drivers check their tire pressure more often. Calderon Tow & Auto would like to share why it is important to check your tire’s pressure in the winter and signs of low tire pressure.
Why Do Tires Lose Pressure In Winter?
When the temperatures drop, so will your tire pressure. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, you will lose 1 pound of pressure in your tires. When the temperatures drop from the warm 80’s and 90’s to the low 50’s even 30’s at night. You can lose 5 pounds of pressure if not more. Where it may not sound like a lot of pressure that was lost it has a major effect on your tires and even your car’s performance. Often 5 pounds of pressure is not enough to trigger your tire gauge, so you drive with low pressure until finally you lose enough to trigger the warning light. During the time you were driving on low tire pressure your vehicle efficiency drops and you will spend more money on gas. Next, the tire will develop irregular wear patterns which compromises the integrity of the tire. When your tires are low on air pressure they are more prone to flats or blowout. A sudden blowout can lead to an accident. Even 5 pounds of lost pressure has a major effect on your vehicle and safety.
What Does Low Tire Pressure Feel Like?
One of the most obvious signs that you have low tire pressure, is when your tire warning light or icon turns on. However, your tire pressure has to be very low for the light to turn on. You already have been driving with low tire pressure. However, there are other clues that your tires are low before it gets to the point your low pressure gauge turns on. One warning sign that your tires have dropped in pressure is squeaking. If your tire squeaks or squeals when making a turn, this a common sign your tires are beginning to loose air pressure. Another sign is the tire will begin to look a bit flat. When the bottom of the tire begins to pancake out you have lost some air pressure.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in San Mateo, San Francisco, Daly City & Colma, CA | Greater Bay Area of California
When you discover your tires have lost some air pressure be diligent and quickly replenish your tire’s air pressure. Constantly check by using a tire pressure gauge tool to monitor and refill you tires. However, if you have a tire blowout or go flat and you need help, Calderon Tow & Auto can help you. We provide roadside assistance services which includes tire changes and more. For fast and reliable towing and roadside assistance services call Calderon Tow & Auto now!
