Understanding Tire Pressure and Temperature Change

Overview of tire pressure and changes in temperature

• Tire pressure affects handling, fuel economy and safety—just like air affects a basketball’s bounce.
• Underinflated tires wear out faster, reduce braking ability and lower fuel efficiency.
• Overinflated tires ride harshly and wear unevenly, especially in the center tread.
• Seasonal temperature changes can raise or lower your tire pressure by 1–2 PSI—check monthly and before long trips.

Have you ever noticed how a basketball doesn’t bounce well when it’s low on air, or how a soccer ball feels stiff and hard to control when it’s overinflated? That’s because air pressure directly affects how a ball performs, impacting bounce, grip and how it moves.

The same is true for your car’s tires. When tire pressure is too low, your vehicle won’t handle as well, your fuel efficiency drops, and your tires wear out faster. Too much pressure makes the ride rough and reduces traction.

The importance of proper tire pressure

Just like with a basketball or soccer ball, your car’s tires rely on the right amount of air pressure to perform properly. It’s not just the rubber doing the work; it’s the air inside that supports the weight of your vehicle and helps you stay in control.

When your tires are underinflated, they can feel sluggish, reduce your ability to steer or stop quickly, and wear out faster. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, become too stiff, which can reduce traction and make the ride feel harsh.

To drive safely and smoothly, your tires need the right balance. Just like a well-inflated ball bounces true and rolls straight, properly inflated tires help your car respond the way it should in everyday driving.

Underinflated tires or overinflated tires?

When your tires don’t have enough air, more of the rubber touches the road. This creates several safety and performance issues that can make driving riskier:

• Faster wear and tear – The extra surface contact builds up heat, which can cause the tires to wear out quickly and even lead to blowouts if left unchecked.
• Reduced stopping power – Low pressure makes your tires less responsive, so braking takes longer, and emergency stops become more dangerous.
• Lower fuel efficiency – Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder. This burns more fuel and wears out the edges faster.

Overinflated tires: While overinflated tires aren’t as risky as underinflated ones, they can still wear out faster than they should. Most modern tires can handle extra pressure without blowing out, but too much air causes the center of the tread to wear down more quickly than the edges. This uneven wear can shorten the life of your tires and reduce traction over time.

How temperatures impact tire pressure

And here’s where the weather comes in: tire pressure changes with temperature. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1 PSI (pound per square inch).

That’s why you often get a flashing tire pressure light in colder months—it’s not a defect, it’s just physics. To stay safe and keep your car performing well, it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly, especially during seasonal changes. 

Tire pressure isn’t a “set it and forget it” adjustment—it requires regular monitoring because it fluctuates over time. Several factors can cause these changes: punctures, overloading, altitude, time and, notably, temperature. And the most obvious: if there’s a hole, air leaks out. 

If weight compresses the tire, pressure shifts. Altitude changes the surrounding air pressure. Even without damage, tires naturally lose air over time. But how and why does temperature affect tire pressure?

A helpful rule to remember for every 10°F change in temperature, your tire pressure can go up or down by 1–2 PSI.

So on a hot summer day, your tires might become overinflated even if you haven’t added air. In the winter, they might lose pressure without having a leak.

How (and when) to check your tire pressure

To keep your car safe and running efficiently, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the seasons change. You don’t need to grab a pressure gauge every time you drive, but it is smart to check:

• Once a month – Tires naturally lose about 1–2 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure each month.
• When seasons shift – Big temperature changes affect air pressure.
• Before a road trip – Properly inflated tires help improve fuel economy, handling and safety.

Why "cold tire pressure" matters

The number listed on your driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual refers to “cold tire pressure.” That means you should check your tires before you drive—ideally after the car has been sitting overnight. Once you start driving, the tires heat up, which raises the pressure temporarily and gives you an inaccurate reading.

Choosing the right tire pressure gauge

To get an accurate reading, use a tire pressure gauge. There are three common types:

• Dial gauge: It looks like a small clock face. It’s easy to read and reliable, but it can lose accuracy if dropped.
• Digital gauge: This gauge shows the pressure on a screen. It’s precise and easy to read (even in low light), but it needs batteries and can be damaged by water or impact.
• Pencil gauge: Small, cheap and portable. It’s not very precise and can be tricky to read, but it works in a pinch.

Always inflate your tires to the level recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This information is on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. 

Keeping tires at the right pressure helps:

• Avoid uneven wear
• Improve gas mileage
• Maintain better control
• Prevent dangerous blowouts

It’s a quick and easy check that can help keep you—and your tires—safe on the road.