Don't panic, Your Garage has the answers you need.
Winter is officially here and with it come all the charms of cold weather driving. Scraping ice off of your windshield, navigating snowy roads, and that darn tire pressure light that won't seem to go away. If your tire light has been greeting you from your dashboard in the morning, you are not alone.
"Tire pressure lights are very common in winter," says Karol Slowikowski, one of the friendly mechanics at Your Garage, Inc. "As temperatures drop, air molecules get colder and compress. As temperature goes up, air molecules expand. Drastic changes in temperature can change how much volume the air in your tire occupies, hence the change in tire pressure. It's a normal occurrence and one that can easily be fixed."
These sudden changes in pressure are usually not an emergency, but they should be monitored. Every service performed by Your Garage includes a tire pressure check and air adjustment. However, if you are between services, below is a guide to help you keep your tires in tip-top shape during cold winter weather.
Stuff You Will Need
Tire Pressure Gauge - A basic tire pressure gauge is all that's needed for adjusting air between service. You can go with a larger gauge or digital readout if you prefer. Tire pressure gauges can be bought online, at an auto parts store, or in the automotive section of your local hardware or department store for less than $5. Most gas station air pumps also include a gauge, but we recommend having your own just in case.
Access to Air - A small compressor or tire inflator is highly recommended. They stow away easily in your trunk and can save a lot of hassle when your tires need a little adjustment. Most gas stations and car washes have air pumps as well, though they usually charge a small fee.
Tire Pressure Info - You'll need to know your recommended tire pressure to make sure you are inflating to the proper levels. Your vehicle's tire pressure is usually listed on the inside rim of the driver side door, near the driver seat. Tire pressure is listed in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and is usually between 30 and 35 for most passenger vehicles. Some larger trucks or SUV's may have a higher pressure listed
How to Check Tire Pressure
Visual Inspection - Walk around your vehicle and check all four tires for any visible deflation or damage. Nails, bulges, tears or punctures can be the cause of slow leaks and may indicate your tire needs repair or replacing.
Locate the Valve Stem - The valve stem is where air enters your tire. It is a small cylinder near your rim that has a small screw cap on it.
Remove the Stem Cap - Caps should come off with a counter clockwise turn. Sometimes they can be difficult to remove, so give it a good squeeze and twist.
Check Pressure with Gauge - Line up your gauge and apply steady pressure when inserting to avoid leaking air. If you hear a hissing noise, remove the gauge and try again. Tire pressure readings should be instant so it only needs to be applied for a second or two.
Add Air if Needed - Firmly insert the inflator adapter on the compressor or hose into the valve stem. Again, a hissing noise indicates a leaky seal. Remove and try again until a seal is made. Small compressors may need 10 seconds or more to inflate your tire. Large compressors usually only need a few seconds of air for small adjustments.
Check Pressure Again - Check your tire pressure and add air as needed to get to the proper PSI. If the tire pressure is too high, remove some air. Air can be removed by pressing down on the small pin inside of the valve stem. Most gauges have a small protrusion that make it easier to press the pin and release air.
Replace the Stem Cap - Always replace your stem cap to keep debris out of your valve stem. A clockwise hand tightening should be enough to keep it clean and clear.
If you are having trouble, here is a great video that explains the process
What If My Tire Pressure Light is Still On?
If your tire light is intermittently turning on and off, it could just be temperature fluctuations causing issues. Single digit temperatures, especially in the morning or after parking for a long time, can affect the pressure reading. If you are confident that your tires are in good shape and were recently topped off, driving on them for 20 minutes or so may heat up the air enough to bring pressure back to normal.
If you have adjusted your tire pressure and still have a light on, you may need a TPMS Sensor (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor replaced or you could have a damaged tire. A visit from a Your Garage mechanic or a trip to the local tire shop is in order.
Our friendly mechanics are standing by to take care of whatever your vehicle needs!
