What is the correct tire pressure in winter or summer?

Did you know that your car’s tires su pport 95% of its load? They support the weight of the car itself, passengers, fuel, luggage and other equipment. Adequate tire pressure is therefore a fundamental element in guaranteeing the safety and performance level of your vehicle.

But what is the ideal pressure and what factors should be taken into account? In this article, you will find our best tips for maintaining optimal pressure in all circumstances and in all seasons.

Why is tire pressure crucial?

Adequate air pressure in your car’s tires is essential to your safety while on the road. Underinflated tires will tend to wear prematurely, in addition to making driving unstable and increasing fuel consumption. Conversely, tires with too high pressure limit the contact patch with the road and reduce grip, making your car more difficult to maneuver.

Be sure to regularly check the pressure of each of your automobile’s tires and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is essential to ensure your road safety and to optimize the operation of each component of your vehicle.

Adapt tire pressure to your type of vehicle

Are you wondering what the ideal tire pressure is for your car? In fact, the pressure to maintain can vary from vehicle to vehicle due to several factors, including:

• Vehicle weight: Heavier vehicles require pressure higher tire to support their load.
• Tire size: The dimensions of the tires, including the width and diameter influence the required pressure.
• The type of tires: Summer, winter or all season tires have different pressure recommendations.
• The weight of the load : The weight of the load at your car may require adjusting the pressure to maintain vehicle stability.
• Vehicle design: Manufacturer’s recommendations, suspension and vehicle geometry all play a role in determining optimal tire pressure.
• The type of driving : The ideal tire pressure may vary if you drive in the city, on the highway or in other conditions (winter, off-road, etc.).

Car tire pressure: adjust the pressure according to the season

You have probably noticed that the maximum pressure of a tire appears on its face. However, you should know that maximum tire pressure and recommended pressure are not synonymous!!

The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure is generally indicated on the identification label found on the vehicle’s door jamb on the driver’s side and in the driver’s manual.

If the whims of nature escape us, it is still possible to control the pressure of our car’s tires. Adapting their pressure according to weather conditions is like making sure you have the right clothes for each season. It’s primordial!

As a result, it may become necessary to check and adjust the pressure as often as temperature fluctuations require. In the event of rain, for example, a slightly lower pressure promotes better grip. For snow and ice, even lower pressure ensures optimal traction.

Learning to adapt to climatic variations will undoubtedly help you improve the handling of your vehicle and reduce the risk of accidents.

What is the correct tire pressure in winter?

We often hear that you have to adapt your driving to the harshness of winter. It’s the same thing with tires: the colder it is, the more important it is to check their pressure regularly.

In periods of intense cold, the air in the tires can be compressed, which lowers their pressure. In fact, for every 6°C the mercury drops, the pressure systematically decreases by 1 PSI (or 1 PSI). It is therefore essential to be prepared in the event of a drop in temperature!

If you neglect to adjust the pressure of your winter tires, you risk ending up with underinflated tires, even if they are in perfect condition. This is why it is recommended to get into the habit of checking the inflation of your tires regularly.

What is the ideal tire pressure in summer?

During the summer, intense heat can have a significant impact on your car’s tires. When it is very hot, the air inside the tires expands. As a result, the air pressure increases, with the risk of over-inflating the tires.

Yes! Even in summer, you have to be careful and plan ahead with your car. To do this, it is strongly suggested to follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding the air pressure level of your summer or 4 season tires.

Finally, equip yourself with a reliable pressure gauge to maintain the appropriate pressure throughout the season.

Tire pressure in the rain

In heavy rain, underinflated tires can cause uneven load distribution, meaning you ride mostly on the sides of the road strip.

Consequence: the water is not properly evacuated, thus increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when water gets between the contact patch of the tires and the road, reducing traction and vehicle stability.

So, to travel safely even when it’s pouring rain, make sure you inflate your tires properly. This will allow optimal grip on the road, efficient water evacuation and will guarantee you get to your destination!

How to take correct tire pressure?

According to CAA-Québec, it is recommended to check tire air pressure every month so that it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Doing this check is simple and only takes a few minutes. This can be done with a tire air pressure gauge (tire gauge). Pressure gauges are sold in big box stores and their cost ranges from $5 to $40.

At what temperature should you take tire pressure?

The pressure must be checked when cold, i.e. when the vehicle has been at rest for a few hours. This is the ideal condition for obtaining an accurate pressure reading.

Car tire pressure: other professional advice!

In addition to regularly checking your tires to ensure they are well suited to your needs and the weather, two other elements require special attention.

First, always make sure there are no air leaks or tire damage. Even a tiny leak can cause a significant loss of pressure. Next, remember to frequently inspect the spare tire pressure. In the event of a puncture, an improperly inflated spare tire could leave you in a difficult situation!

Do your tires need attention?

Don’t take unnecessary risks on the road. Contact the team experts from Trans-Mico Automotive for personalized advice on the right choice of tires or for changing and aligning your tires. Quality services await you!

Source: CAA QUEBEC. All you need to know about tire pressure.