When most people think about tires and outdoor temperatures, they think of extreme summer heat causing blowouts on the highway, but cold weather also poses a problem for tires. When the thermometer begins to dip, the air pressure in your tires may also drop, affecting your fuel economy and making your tires more vulnerable to punctures.
Just about everyone in Canada has, at some point, awakened to find their tires low or flat on a cold morning. Drops in pressure aren’t always indicative of a leak; cold temperatures can cause pressure to decrease. Cold temperatures make air contract, thus lowering air pressure in tires. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, there’s a 1-psi drop in tire pressure, on average.
Low pressure makes tires more vulnerable to puncture and also causes them to wear down faster, so it’s important to check your tire pressure at least once a month in the winter if possible. Winter tires can also help with performance issues caused by ice and snow, providing added traction and less likelihood of excessive wear, thanks to their hardier design and construction.
Tire Pirates has served the Calgary area for more than 25 years, providing tire repair, brake service, and auto repair service. The company specializes in tire repair and replacement, and it carries a wide range of name-brand tire products from top manufacturers. For dependable all-weather tires and winter tires that won’t let you down, visit Tire Pirates today.