What is the appropriate tire pressure for cars in winter?
3 Answers
In winter, a car tire pressure of 2.2 to 2.4 bar is appropriate. Excessive tire pressure in winter reduces the friction between car tires and the road surface, affecting driving safety. Keeping the pressure slightly below the standard by 0.1 bar can increase the tire's road adhesion. If the car tire pressure is too low, it will increase fuel consumption, cause damage to the tires, and easily lead to tire blowouts. The standard tire pressure for each car can be checked at the fuel filler location. The first row in the tire pressure chart indicates the standard tire pressure, which is generally 2.3 bar for most passenger cars. The tire pressure value refers to the cold tire pressure, measured after the car has been parked for at least 3 hours or the tires have not been driven more than 2 kilometers. If you can only measure the tire pressure when the tires are hot, subtract approximately 0.3 bar from the measured value. Strictly speaking, tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tires. In terms of car maintenance, the engine is the heart of the car, and damage to the engine can lead to the end of the car's life. Tire pressure is the blood pressure of the car, and the level of tire pressure plays a crucial role in the car's performance and power.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I can tell you that winter tire pressure is crucial, especially in snowy northern regions. In cold winter weather, the air contracts, so if you keep the same low pressure as in summer, your tires can become too soft. This not only increases fuel consumption but may also cause skidding when turning. Last time I was lazy and didn't adjust it, and after one highway trip, my fuel consumption spiked by 10%. I recommend inflating your tires when they're cold, referring to the label on the door frame. My car recommends around 32 PSI, but don't exceed 35 PSI—too high and you risk a blowout or rapid wear. Remember to check once a month with a portable tire pressure gauge, measuring in the morning after the car has been parked overnight for the most accurate reading. Taking care of this small detail will make your entire winter driving experience much smoother.
Before heading out in winter, I always think about tire pressure—it's not just about saving a bit on gas, it's a safety issue. When temperatures drop, the air becomes denser, so the pressure should be a bit higher than in summer, typically around 30-35 PSI, but check your car's manual for specifics. Once, I skipped adjusting it for convenience and nearly lost control on a snowy turn—scared me stiff. Checking is easy: in the morning when the car's cold, use a free pressure gauge at a gas station. If it's below 28 PSI, it's time to add air, but don't exceed 40 PSI—too high and you lose grip, especially on slippery roads. A quick weekly glance at your tires keeps you safe and extends their life. Worth the little effort.
