How to Check Your Tire Pressure in Hot or Cold Weather
It’s easy to forget about tire pressure unless there’s a problem. You might not think about it when you’re driving, but your tires are the only part of your car that touch the ground. That’s why it’s important to check their pressure regularly.
The question is, though, should you check the pressure when the tires are hot or cold?
When it comes to checking your tire pressure, there is no right or wrong time – as long as you do it regularly. Some people prefer to check their tires when they’re cold since that’s when they’re most inflated. Others like to wait until the tires are hot since that gives a more accurate reading.
So which is the best way to go? Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much. Make sure you’re checking your tire pressure regularly, and adjust accordingly based on the reading.
If your tires are consistently low, you may want to consider adjusting the air pressure in your tires (either up or down). One thing to keep in mind is that if you check your tire pressure when the tires are hot, let them cool down before making any adjustments. Otherwise, you could end up overinflating or underinflating your tires, leading to serious problems down the road.
Credit: www.goodyear.com
Do I Need to Put Air in My Tires When It’S Cold?
Tire pressure can drop about 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit decrease in temperature. So if it’s 70 degrees outside and your tire pressure is 30 PSI, once the temperature falls to 60 degrees, your tire pressure will be 29 PSI. You should check your tires’ pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
You can read this post: When checking tire pressure?
Many gas stations have air pumps you can use for free or a small fee. If it’s really cold outside, say below freezing, you may need to add a little more air to your tires than usual. That’s because cold weather makes the air inside your tires contract, lowering the pressure.
Inflating your tires when it’s cold outside helps keep them properly inflated when the temperature warms up again.
Does Tire Pressure Go Up When Hot?
When the temperature outside rises, so does the pressure inside your tires. As the air inside your tires heats up, it expands and causes the tire pressure to increase. You’ll typically see a 1-2 PSI increase for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
So, if it’s 70 degrees outside and your tire pressure is 30 PSI, it would be 32 PSI when it’s 80 degrees out. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly – especially during extreme weather changes – to ensure that it is inflated to the proper level. Overinflated tires can lead to a bumpy ride, while underinflated tires can cause premature wear and tear.
What is the Best Time to Check Tire Pressure?
It is best to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means you should check your tire pressure first thing in the morning, or after the car has been parked for a few hours. Checking your tire pressure when the tires are hot can give you an inaccurate reading.
How Long Should I Let My Tires Cool before Checking the Pressure?
You should generally wait at least three hours after driving before checking your tire pressure. This allows the tires to cool down so that you can get an accurate reading. If you must check your tire pressure sooner, make sure to do so when the tires are cold.
Tire Pressure Basics Part One: Cold Inflation Pressure
Checking Tyre Pressure When Hot
It’s important to check your tire pressure when hot, as this is when they are at its highest. You can do this by using a digital tire pressure gauge or visiting a garage with an air compressor. If you’re checking your tires at home, make sure to do it in a cool, shaded area so that the tires aren’t too hot.
Once you’ve checked and inflated your tires to the correct pressure, drive around for a few miles so that they can cool down again. It’s also worth noting that different types of tires will have different optimum pressures when hot. So, if you have any questions, consult your vehicle’s manual or speak to a professional.
Conclusion
It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly, but did you know that the temperature can affect it? Cold weather can cause your tires to lose pressure, while hot weather can make them gain pressure. That’s why it’s best to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold.
