Having the proper tire pressure at all times is an integral part of car maintenance, and it's one of the few things that every driver should know how to check. The amount of air in your tires directly impacts the quality of your driving, braking, and turning. Aside from these concerns, you should know that the different seasons and temperature changes can also influence your tire performance and pressure.
Before you get started on anything, you should grab your owner's manual for reference. This handbook, along with the sticker on the driver's door jam, will tell you the exact psi needed for your tires. You will also need a tire gauge to check your tire pressure manually. Please refer to one of our recent blogs regarding How to Check Your Tire Pressure for more detailed instructions.
During scheduled maintenance and tune-ups, you should also ask your mechanic to measure your tire pressure for you. If your tires are underinflated or have too low of pressure, this can create additional drag on the car and cause lower fuel efficiency.
How Do The Seasons Impact My Tires?
When the temperature fluctuates throughout the seasons, so does the air pressure in your tires. Colder weather causes the air inside your tires to contract. On the other hand, warm weather will cause your tires to expand.
Another consideration you have to make is whether you want to get winter tires for your vehicle. Winter tires are designed with deeper tread and rubber material to better handle winter conditions, like snow and ice. If you choose to change to a different type of tire, please double-check to see the psi requirements for those.
For quality and reliable tire services, you can always look to the professional technicians at Protech Automotive Services in Johnston, RI. We welcome you to give us a call or visit today!