Why does my Tire Pressure Light come on when the temperature drops?

When the weather changes, it’s completely normal for your tires to lose a little bit of air. Let’s talk about why it happens and what you can do to keep your car safe and running smoothly.

 

 

What makes the light come on in cool weather?

Tire pressure changes with temperature. For every 10-degree drop in air temperature, your tires can lose about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) of pressure.

 

Here’s why:

• The air inside your tires expands when it’s warm and contracts when it’s cold.



• When that cool front blows through New Orleans, the sudden temperature change can make your tire pressure light pop on overnight.



A tire light on in the fall or winter may not mean that you have a leak, it could just be physics at work!

Why proper tire pressure matters:

Driving on under inflated tires can cause:

• Uneven tire wear



• Poor fuel efficiency



• Longer stopping distances



• A rougher, less stable ride



Since our New Orleans roads can already be tough with potholes and uneven pavement, the last thing you need is extra wear from low tire pressure. Keeping your tires properly inflated helps you stay safe and avoid premature tire replacement.

 

What to do if your low tire light comes on

1. Check your tire pressure – Use a reliable gauge or stop by our shop.



2. Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on the sticker inside your driver’s door). If all of your tires are equally low, chances are the cooler weather is the cause.



3. Keep an eye on it – If one of your tires was lower than the rest or the light keeps coming back, you might have a small leak or a sensor issue.