What is the normal tire pressure in cold weather?
2 Answers
In cold weather, the tire pressure should be adjusted based on the standard tire pressure of the car tires, typically increasing it by approximately 0.2 bar. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and tendencies to veer off course, which are detrimental to driving safety; Increases the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the bead area and abnormal wear; Multiplies the friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening of the tire, and a rapid decrease in strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases tire body deformation, making the tire side prone to cracks, and generates flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord fabric layer, cord breakage, and also increases the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
In cold weather, tire pressure tends to be lower. The normal value should be checked on the standard value on the door frame when the tires are cold, usually between 30 to 35 psi. I've been driving for ten years, and every winter when the temperature drops, the air in the tires contracts, causing the tire pressure to drop by one or two units. I always use a simple tire pressure gauge to check before heading out in the morning, and if it's low, I top it up with an air pump. If you don't check, not only does the car feel floaty, but the braking distance increases, fuel consumption goes up, and tire wear becomes uneven. I've seen a friend who neglected this and had a scary skidding incident while driving at high speed. It's advisable to develop the habit of checking when the seasons change and keep a home tire pressure gauge in the trunk for easy use anytime. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can improve safety and fuel efficiency—a little time spent can prevent big troubles.
