With the winter season fast approaching, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the cold weather. Sudden drops in temperature have significant effects on most automotive components, and that includes your car tires. Without proper precaution, here are a few issues that can occur.

How Cold Weather Impacts Your Car Tires

1. Reduced Tire Pressure

Among the most common issues that drivers face during winter is an underinflated car tire. For vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, the warning light often goes on when one of your tires is low on air. This happens because the air becomes denser as it contracts in the cold, resulting in loss of tire pressure. When external temperatures drop by 10° Fahrenheit, expect tire pressure to go down by one to two pounds per square inch (psi).

However, this explanation doesn’t mean that your tires have no leaks or punctures. It’s still essential to check their pressure and give them a once-over before heading out to ensure their condition.

2. Higher Chances of a Flat Tire

If left unaddressed, underinflated tires can lead to a flat tire, especially if you assumed that air pressure would revert to normal levels once the cold spell passes. Moreover, driving on underinflated tires can cause overheating and increase the possibility of a blowout. Make it a habit to get the pressure readings before driving — it’s better to catch tire problems when you’re somewhere safe.

3. Faster Wear & Tear

There are several reasons why your car tires wear out faster than usual, but the most common cause is underinflation. Underinflated tires come in contact with the road unevenly and wear out prematurely as a result. Moreover, they cause longer braking times and trickier vehicle handling, particularly on wet or slick pavements.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

Because lower outside temperatures often translate to reduced tire pressure, driving on improperly inflated car tires impacts fuel economy as well. A one-point drop in psi can lower gas mileage by 0.2% since the engine works harder than usual to move the vehicle with underinflated tires.

Make sure your car tires are up to par this season when you visit Hudson Tire & Battery in Harrison, AR. Since 1940, they’ve provided a range of auto repair services, from tire sales and rotation to car alignment and balancing. Call (870) 741-2740 to schedule an appointment for your tires, or visit their website for more information.