Why Do Tires Easily Lose Air Pressure in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter tires are prone to low air pressure because the lower temperatures in winter cause the gas inside the tires to expand when hot and contract when cold, leading to reduced tire pressure. If the tire pressure drops again a few days after inflation, it indicates a leak, and the tire should be inspected immediately. Tires are crucial for the stability and safety of a vehicle's operation. Tire pressure should neither be too high nor too low. If the pressure is too low, it can cause the tire to develop wave-like deformations at high speeds, accelerating tire aging and increasing the risk of a blowout. If the pressure is too high, the contact area between the tire and the road decreases, reducing the tire's grip. Tires are made of rubber, which naturally ages and wears over time. Therefore, tires should be replaced regularly—typically every four years under normal conditions. After installing new tires, it is essential to perform a dynamic balance test on each wheel to prevent abnormal vibrations.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I find that insufficient tire pressure in winter is quite common, mainly due to gas contraction caused by significant temperature fluctuations. I remember learning about thermal expansion and contraction in physics class—for every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases by about 1 PSI. That's why low tire pressure warnings often appear in the early morning when the car is cold. Additionally, cold weather makes tire rubber harder, reducing sealing effectiveness and leading to minor air leaks, especially on icy or snowy roads where increased friction accelerates pressure loss. I recommend developing a habit of checking tire pressure every morning before driving. This helps avoid unstable handling risks—winter driving safety is no trivial matter. Proper tire pressure reduces the likelihood of skidding on slippery roads or increasing the chance of a blowout.
