
The normal tire pressure for a sedan in winter is 2.5 bar. Tire pressure refers to the air pressure inside the tire, and the level of tire pressure plays a crucial role in the performance and power of the vehicle. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery that roll on the ground. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance, while also requiring relatively high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as relatively low rolling resistance and heat generation.

Last time when changing to winter tires, the technician told me that car tire pressure should be slightly higher in winter than in summer for safety. For my own car, I followed the manufacturer's recommendation and inflated to 2.5 kPa. The tire shop mechanic explained that lower winter temperatures naturally reduce tire pressure by about 0.2, so it's best to inflate to 2.3-2.6 kPa when the tires are cold. The label on my family sedan's door frame shows a standard of 2.4, so I increased it to 2.5 when winter came. Remember to always check in the morning before driving - measurements won't be accurate after the tires warm up. With proper inflation, winter traction noticeably improves - last week during snowfall I didn't experience any skidding while turning, and the fuel consumption gauge showed half a liter lower. I check monthly with a simple tire pressure gauge, which takes less than five minutes.

We pay extra attention to tire pressure for both our family cars during winter. The maintenance manual clearly states that winter tire pressure should be about 0.2 kPa higher than in summer. My SUV's standard tire pressure is 2.3, so I've inflated it to 2.5 now. Once when the pressure dropped below 2.0, the braking distance on snow increased by a full two meters - it was really close. A mechanic taught me a trick: check the tread pattern where the tire contacts the ground - if the outer edges wear faster, it means the pressure is too low. Now I always carry a digital tire pressure gauge with me and top up the air immediately when temperatures drop. With proper tire pressure, the steering feels lighter, and even elderly passengers and children in the back seats don't complain about the ride being bumpy.

Winter tire pressure adjustment is simple: Refer to the cold tire standard value on the door pillar label and add an extra 0.2 kPa. My hatchback is rated at 2.4, now maintained at 2.6. Last year, using a tire pressure monitor, I found the pressure automatically dropped to 2.1 at -5°C. After adding air, the car started much more steadily on icy surfaces. Remember not to measure after a long drive, as hot tire data will be higher. Proper tire pressure can also save fuel, at least 0.4 liters per 100 km. Keeping a portable air pump in the car is very practical.


