The first colder days can "let" your tires down: How to properly check your tire pressure before fall

As the mornings get cooler, many drivers see their tire pressure monitoring system alert for the first time since summer. This doesn't necessarily mean a flat tire: air contracts at lower temperatures, so the measured pressure drops. Michelin says that a rule of thumb is that a drop in outside temperature of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 5,6 degrees Celsius, can reduce pressure by about 1 psi, or about 0,07 bar.

Although the number seems small, tires are the only connection a car has to the asphalt. Too low an inflation pressure increases sidewall flex, heat build-up and rolling resistance, can accelerate tread shoulder wear and impair steering precision. Too high an inflation pressure is also not a solution: it can reduce comfort and lead to uneven wear, so tires should not be “inflated just in case”.

The measurement should be taken when the tires are cold: ideally before driving or at least three hours after parking. The exact recommended value can be found on the sticker on the driver's door frame, the fuel filler flap or in the vehicle manual. The number printed on the sidewall of the tire is not a recommendation for your car, but the maximum value for that tire under certain conditions.

Check all four wheels, and if your vehicle has a regular spare tire, check it as well. While you're at the car, look for cuts, bulges, cracks, nails, and uneven wear. A difference between the left and right tires, constant pulling of the vehicle, or vibrations can indicate an alignment problem, damage, or other malfunction that the tire pressure gauge alone can't explain.

Don't wait for the TPMS light to come on. Pressure monitoring systems usually only warn you when the pressure drops below a certain threshold, so they are not a substitute for monthly manual checks. After topping up, some cars will turn off the warning on their own, while others will require a reset or a short drive; check the manual for the procedure, as an incorrect reset can "teach" the system incorrect values.

If a tire loses pressure again within a few days, don't just keep pumping it up. The cause could be a small puncture, valve, rim or poor sealing, and a check at a tire repair shop is safer and cheaper than waiting for the problem to become serious. Five minutes with a reliable pressure gauge at the start of the cold season can improve stability, reduce unnecessary wear and tear and prevent unpleasant surprises on the road.

Article prepared with the support of AI tools.