Why do tires go flat in cold weather?

The main reason why tires go flat in cold weather is because temperature affects air pressure. According to the physical properties of gases, as the temperature drops, the movement of gas molecules slows down, which leads to a decrease in pressure. This can be explained by the following aspects:

1. Pressure drop: In cold weather, the air temperature inside the tire decreases, causing the gas to compress and reducing the pressure inside the tire. This makes the tires appear flat even though there is no air leak.

2. Change in air density: In cold weather, the air becomes denser, the space occupied by the gas decreases, and the amount of air inside the tire appears insufficient, resulting in a flat appearance.

3. Compression of tire material: Tires are made of rubber and other synthetic materials that shrink when exposed to cold. This can cause the tire to appear tighter relative to the rim.

Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is especially important in cold weather to ensure safety on the road. It is usually recommended to slightly increase the tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent excessive loss of pressure and the associated risks.

As winter approaches, many drivers notice that the low tire pressure indicator lights up on their dashboard or that their tires look flatter than usual. The main reason for this is that the temperature drops, which makes the air denser and therefore reduces the pressure in the tires. Of course, over time, the pressure in the tires gradually decreases, which can lead to the risk of a blowout.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) significantly improves the safety and convenience of vehicle operation. Since September 2007, all new vehicles must be equipped with the TPMS. This system warns drivers of low tire pressure using an indicator on the dashboard, allowing them to accurately monitor their condition and maintain a safe pressure level.

The colder the temperature, the more the tire pressure drops – about 1 psi (pound per square inch) for every 10°F drop in temperature. Getting a low tire pressure warning on a cold morning doesn’t necessarily mean a tire blowout is coming. It simply means that your tires are low on pressure and you should inflate them as soon as possible. After a few miles of driving, your tires will warm up and the light may go out. However, whether it goes out or not, it’s important to use a tire pressure gauge to check and inflate your tires. This is a fairly simple procedure, or you can have a mechanic help you. It’s generally recommended to check your tire pressure monthly rather than wait for the low tire pressure light to come on. The light is designed to warn you of a possible air leak while you’re driving, not as a regular maintenance reminder. Even if your vehicle has a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), we recommend checking the pressure in all tires at least once a month with a tire pressure gauge, regardless of weather conditions.

To better cope with the impact of temperature changes on tires, a car compressor is a great choice for car owners. Modern models not only inflate tires, but also measure pressure in real time. This allows drivers to know exactly whether the tire pressure is within acceptable limits. If not, the car compressor will automatically inflate the tires to the required level, which helps to maintain them in good condition and improve safety on the road.