What to Do When Tire Pressure Shows Abnormal After Snowfall?
2 Answers
Solutions for abnormal tire pressure indication after snowfall: Turn on the ignition switch, press and hold the tire pressure monitoring reset button until you hear a "ding" sound, then release. At this point, the tire pressure monitoring system will store the current normal tire pressure data, automatically clear the previous data, and finally, the warning light on the dashboard will turn off. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: Reduced friction and adhesion of the tires, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread pattern of the tire, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overextends the tire cords, reducing tire elasticity and increasing the load on the vehicle during driving; Decreases puncture resistance. When encountering sharp objects like nails or glass on the road, the tire is more prone to punctures, and impacts can cause internal cracks or blowouts. Hazards of insufficient tire pressure: Increases friction with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and deviation, compromising driving safety; Increases movement of various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal overheating due to excessive rolling; Reduces the functionality of cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage and abnormal wear at the bead area; Multiplies friction between the tire and the ground, rapidly increasing tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. High-speed driving may lead to tire blowouts; Increases tire deformation, making the sidewalls prone to cracks and generating flexing movements, leading to excessive heat, rubber aging, cord fatigue, and breakage, while also increasing the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear.
The tire pressure warning light came on after the snow, which I think is quite common. I've encountered it several times while driving myself. The main reason is the sudden temperature drop causing the air to contract and tire pressure to decrease, and sometimes the sensors get blocked by snow triggering false alarms. I usually park the car in a safe spot first and use the onboard tire pressure gauge to check the actual pressure of each tire. If it's below the standard value (usually listed on the door frame), I'll use a portable air pump to slowly inflate to the proper level. After confirming the pressure is normal, I'll start the car to see if the light goes off. If it stays on, it might indicate a sensor malfunction or an actual air leak, requiring immediate inspection at a repair shop. Driving in snowy conditions is risky, and insufficient tire pressure reduces traction, making skidding and loss of control more likely. So don't delay addressing this issue, and make it a habit to check tire pressure regularly—once a month in winter is advisable. Safety comes first; don't underestimate this seemingly minor issue.
