Your vehicle’s tires have more to deal with in the winter thanks to wet and icy roads. Tire pressure, measured in psi (pounds per square inch), decreases by one to two pounds for every 10-degree temperature drop, creating several problems. To help you stay safe, here’s a list of some of these issues and how to prevent them from affecting your driving experience. 

How the Winter Affects Your Car’s Tires

1. Increases Wear

When psi decreases in the cold weather, tires make more contact with the roads. The increased friction can damage the tread, which increases the wheels’ vulnerability. Driving over a pothole with weakened tire rubber, for example, can cause blowouts. 

To stay safe, switch to winter tires, which feature special tread to increase road grip without excess wear.

2. Lowers Fuel Economy

Your engine works harder to move your vehicle when pressure fluctuates during the winter, resulting in more visits to the gas pump. For every one psi drop, fuel economy lowers by up to 0.2%. The extra strain on your engine also wears down the moving auto parts.

Rather than paying more for gas and auto repairs this winter, look up the recommended psi in your owner’s manual and check the pressure regularly using a gauge tool. 

3. Alters Stopping Time

Underinflated tires wear down at faster rates, so it becomes harder to stop your vehicle in a timely manner. Winter weather conditions, such as wet and icy roads, create hydroplaning, which could result in accidents. Skidding also becomes a greater risk when tires are underinflated, especially in icy conditions.

To stay safe, have a professional inflate them whenever they reach the minimum recommended psi level.

Keep your tires in great shape this winter with auto repair services from Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center in High Point, NC. Offering a full inventory that includes brand names such as Bridgestone®, Firestone®, and Fuzion®, these technicians are certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and offer friendly, efficient customer service. Call (336) 841-6553 today to schedule an appointment or review their inventory online.