Why Does Tire Pressure Light Come on When Cold?

André Usatiy Published on
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)

As cold weather approaches and temperatures drop, many drivers notice the tire pressure light illuminating on their dashboard. This common phenomenon occurs due to the direct relationship between air temperature and tire pressure.

During colder weather, the air inside a tire contract, leading to a decrease in tire pressure. As a result, the vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) detects this change and triggers an alert through the warning light indicator.

Cold Weather Effects On Tire Pressure

Cold air vs Hot air molecules

The physics behind the decrease in tire pressure in colder temperatures can be explained by Charles’s Law. When the temperature drops, the air molecules inside tires lose energy and move slower, creating less space between them.

As a result, they take up less space and exert less pressure on the tire walls, causing a decrease in tire pressure.

For every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, you can expect a loss of 1 PSI.

So if your tires have an ideal pressure of 30 PSI and the temperature drops from 70 degrees to freezing overnight, that could result in a loss of about 3 PSI.

What To Do When The Tire Pressure Light Comes On In Cold Weather

When the tire pressure light comes on in cold weather, it is important to check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure.

  • Start by locating the recommended fill pressure in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.
  • You can use a tire gauge to measure the pressure accurately and add air if necessary at a gas station or convenient location like most tire shops.

Other Factors That Can Cause The Tire Pressure Light To Come On

Tire Pressure Warning

Apart from cold weather, the tire pressure light can also come on due to other reasons.

  • One of them is a slow leak that causes tires to lose air over time.
  • Another factor is damaged valve stems that fail to seal properly and lead to air leakage.
  • A faulty TPMS sensor may also be at fault, sending erroneous signals or failing to detect a low-pressure situation correctly.

Consequences Of Ignoring Low Tire Pressure

Ignoring low tire pressure can lead to a variety of consequences:

  • Reduced fuel efficiency is one of the most common issues that result from driving with underinflated tires. When your tires are not properly inflated, they create more friction on the road, which requires more energy and gasoline to move your car forward.
  • In addition to reduced fuel efficiency, ignoring low tire pressure can lead to decreased tire lifespan.
  • Moreover, underinflated tires compromise handling and stability when driving at high speeds. It also increases stopping distances in emergency braking situations.

Related Reading: Can You Drive Summer Tires In Cold Weather?

FAQs

Why Does Tire Pressure Light Come on When Cold?

The cold weather can cause the air inside the tire to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure. This drop in pressure can trigger the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to illuminate the warning light on your dashboard.

Can You Drive With A Low Tire Pressure Light?

If your tire pressure light is on, it’s not recommended that you drive with low tire pressure. Ignoring this warning can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, decreased tire lifespan, and increased risk of accidents.

Why Is My Tire Pressure Light On When My Tires Are Fine?

Sometimes, the tire pressure light may come on even when your tires seem to be properly inflated. One common reason for this occurrence is a faulty TPMS sensor. These sensors can sometimes malfunction and send incorrect signals to your vehicle’s onboard computer, causing the warning light to appear.

Final Words

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that the tire pressure light coming on during cold weather is a common occurrence and doesn’t necessarily mean you have a flat tire.

Understanding how TPMS works and the effects of temperature on tire pressure can help prevent false alerts. Regularly checking tire pressure and adjusting when needed will not only avoid potential safety risks but also increase fuel efficiency and prolong tire life.

Don’t ignore your low tire pressure warning – take action promptly to ensure your vehicle is running at its best.

André is a car enthusiast and a self-proclaimed tire nerd.

When he's not tinkering with his own cars or obsessively researching tire brands, André can often be found cracking jokes with his team and sharing amusing memes on their Slack channel.

His colleagues describe him as a combination of a car guru and a stand-up comedian, with a talent for making even the most mundane tire specs seem interesting.