Your tire pressure affects the overall performance and safety of your automobile. When properly inflated, your tires will benefit from good traction, providing your passengers with a smooth riding experience. However, when inflated above or below the recommended limit, you are at much higher risk of enduring an automobile accident—along with poor handling and maneuverability. Since weather influences tire pressure, the auto care team at All Around Auto Care in Elizabethtown, KY, has compiled a brief guide to keeping your wheels in check.

In every season, keep the following things in mind when checking your pressure and inflating your tires:

• Outside Temperature: Because of their physical properties, tires naturally shrink in cold weather and expand in heat. For every 10-degree increase or decrease in temperature, air pressure will change by approximately one pound per square inch (psi). This means you can expect to see an increase in psi during the summer months and a decrease during the winter. To maintain safety while driving, you need to adjust your tire pressure accordingly.
• Storage Climate: Regardless of the temperature outside, you need to consider the climate of your vehicle’s storage location. For example, when you check your tire pressure in the winter, don’t take the reading inside your garage—it won’t be correct. Auto care professionals recommend measuring psi outdoors, as the number will be much closer to actual road conditions.
• Time of Day: Your tire pressure will fluctuate approximately two pounds per square inch over the course of a given day, so take this into consideration to avoid a blowout. For the most accurate reading, measure your tire pressure at least 30 minutes after driving.

Understanding how, where, and when to measure your tire pressure is a crucial part of diligent auto care. To learn more about All Around Auto Care, call (270) 737­-9954 or visit them online.