What is the normal tire pressure for cars in winter?
2 Answers
In winter, the standard tire pressure for regular tires is generally between 2.6-2.7 bar, while reinforced tires have a tire pressure range of 3.0-3.1 bar. Due to seasonal factors, winter tire pressure typically increases by about 0.2 bar. You can check the tire pressure using a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). TPMS automatically monitors the tire pressure in real-time while driving and alerts you to tire leaks or low pressure to ensure driving safety. If the tire pressure monitoring indicator light comes on (a yellow symbol with an irregular circle, no stamp on top, four small spikes at the bottom, and an exclamation mark inside), there are generally three possible reasons: 1. Abnormal tire pressure. The system usually triggers an alarm if the pressure is below 1.8 bar or above 3.0 bar. In this case, you need to inspect the tires and adjust the pressure. 2. The tire pressure monitoring system has not been reset. After inflating the tires, if the system isn't reset promptly, it may still display the old data, causing the indicator light to stay on. Simply reset the tire pressure monitoring system to resolve this issue. 3. A faulty tire pressure sensor. The sensor, installed inside the tire and connected to the inflation valve, monitors tire pressure. If the sensor is damaged during driving (e.g., due to impact), the tire pressure warning light may illuminate. In such cases, the only solution is to replace the sensor with a new one.
In winter, the normal tire pressure range for sedans is around 32 to 35 PSI, but this should be based on your vehicle's manual. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases by about 1-2 PSI, so check more frequently in cold weather. It's recommended to measure with a tire pressure gauge once a week, using readings from a cold tire. If the pressure is too low, tires are prone to deformation, slipping, and poor braking; if too high, the center of the tire wears out faster and can cause loss of control on slippery winter roads. I've seen a friend who, eager to save fuel, ended up with overinflated tires leading to a blowout. For safety, make it a habit: check right after parking, and if it's below 32, add air—don’t wait for problems to arise. Also, new cars usually come with a tire pressure monitoring light—don’t ignore it when it lights up. It can save you from accident repair costs and extend your tire’s lifespan by several years.