Posted on 1/21/2025
Why Tire Pressure Lights Come On When Temperatures Drop As the seasons change and temperatures take a dive, you might notice an all-too-familiar alert on your dashboard: the tire pressure warning light. While it may seem like a small annoyance, understanding why this happens and how to respond can help keep you safe on the road and protect your tires from unnecessary wear and tear. Why Does Cold Weather Affect Tire Pressure? Tire pressure is directly impacted by temperature because air expands when warm and contracts when cold. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires can lose approximately 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. That means if you filled your tires to the recommended PSI on a warm day, the colder weather could cause the pressure to dip below the manufacturer’s guidelines, triggering the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light. Is It Safe to Drive With the Tire Pressure Light On? If yo ... read more