What is the appropriate tire pressure in winter?
3 Answers
Winter car tire pressure is suitable around 2.6-2.7 bar. Normal tire pressure reference standards: According to the provisions and requirements of the international GBT2978-2008 standard, the tire pressure of standard tires is about 2.4-2.5 bar, and the tire pressure of reinforced tires is about 2.8-2.9 bar. At the same time, tire pressure needs to consider seasonal changes. In summer, the lower limit of the standard tire pressure should be followed, and the pressure can generally be about 0.1 bar lower than the standard to avoid tire blowouts due to high temperatures. Daily tire pressure precautions: Cars generally have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts for tire leaks and abnormal tire pressure to ensure driving safety; daily attention should be paid to the tire pressure monitoring light on the instrument panel. Both too low and too high tire pressure will affect driving and increase tire wear.
When driving in winter, pay attention to tire pressure issues. Having driven many car models, I've learned that in cold weather, the air contracts, causing the internal tire pressure to naturally drop by about 1 to 2 PSI. The general recommendation is to refer to the owner's manual or the manufacturer's recommended values on the door frame. Typically, based on summer values of 30 to 35 PSI, adding 1 to 2 PSI in winter is advisable, but avoid overinflating to prevent rapid tread wear. As temperatures drop, roads become icy and slippery. Insufficient tire pressure can worsen vehicle handling, increasing the risk of skidding or longer braking distances. I usually check once a month with a simple tire pressure gauge when the car is cold to ensure safety. Don't underestimate this detail—it's often the root cause of many winter accidents. Also, if a cold snap hits, take an extra look at the tire pressure before driving in the morning—don't wait until the tire is flat to notice. During regular maintenance, have the technician double-check it—prevention is always better than repairs after the fact.
As a long-distance driver myself, it's essential to adjust tire pressure properly in winter. In cold weather, tire pressure naturally drops, so I usually add 1 to 2 PSI on top of the recommended pressure (e.g., 32 PSI). For instance, last week when it snowed, I neglected to check, and the car felt a bit shaky—later, I found the pressure was low. Underinflated tires not only increase fuel consumption but also make the car more prone to slipping on icy roads. I've learned my lesson: using a portable tire gauge to measure pressure when the car is cold in the morning is key to getting accurate readings. Also, don’t just follow others’ advice to overinflate—always refer to your vehicle’s manual. A quick weekly check takes just two steps and ensures peace of mind and safety. If you frequently drive on snowy roads where tires wear faster, be even more diligent. Overall, proper tire pressure ensures smoother handling and reduces the risk of accidents.
