Tyre Pressure in Winter

How cold weather affects your tyres and how to keep them properly inflated.

Fast Facts

• ✅ Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop by 1–2 PSI (0.07–0.14 bar) for every 10 °C decrease in temperature

• ✅ Check your tyre pressure every two weeks in winter

• ✅ Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure

• ✅ Studded winter tyres also require regular pressure checks

• ✅ Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) don’t replace manual checks

Why tyre pressure matters in winter

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential all year round — but especially in winter. The right inflation level ensures:

• Optimal grip and traction on cold, slippery roads

• Better fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions

• Even tyre wear and longer lifespan

• Consistent braking and steering performance

However, when temperatures drop, so does the air pressure inside your tyres. Understanding how and why this happens can help you stay safe and comfortable on winter roads.

How cold weather affects tyre inflation

As the temperature drops, the air inside your tyres becomes denser and contracts, causing a measurable drop in pressure.

Rule of thumb: For every 10 °C decrease in temperature, tyre pressure drops by about 1–2 PSI (0.07–0.14 bar).

If you’re driving in cold or high-altitude regions, the effect is even more noticeable — air pressure decreases further with every additional metre of elevation.

That’s why you should always check and adjust your tyre pressure regularly during winter, especially before long trips.

Where to find your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure

You can find your car’s ideal pressure settings in several places:

• Inside the driver’s or passenger’s door frame

• On the fuel filler door

• In the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook

Inflate your tyres according to these values. Proper inflation ensures your tyres maintain traction and handling on wet, icy, or snowy roads — whether you’re using winter tyres or all-season tyres.

If your car has a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)

Even with a TPMS, it’s important to check your tyre pressure manually.

During cold weather, you may notice your TPMS warning light turning on more often, especially in the mornings when temperatures are at their lowest. This doesn’t necessarily mean your tyres are leaking — the drop in temperature simply lowers air pressure overnight.

However, don’t ignore the warning. Always confirm your pressure with a gauge and top up if needed. Tyres can be under-inflated long before it’s visible to the eye, which can affect safety and fuel efficiency.

Tip: Each time you check the pressure, take a moment to inspect your tread depth and tyre condition as well.

Tyre pressure and studded winter tyres

If you drive with studded tyres in icy regions, maintaining correct air pressure is even more critical.

• Proper inflation keeps the studs seated securely in the tread

• Under-inflation can cause uneven stud wear or early stud loss

• Over-inflation reduces contact with the road and decreases grip

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure maximum traction, safety, and stud longevity.

How to check and adjust your tyre pressure

Regular checks are easy — and can make a big difference in winter driving performance.

1. Check pressure when tyres are cold

You’ll get the most accurate reading if you check after the car has been parked for a few hours or first thing in the morning.

2. Refer to your vehicle’s handbook

Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for cold tyres — usually listed in PSI or bar.

3. Use a reliable gauge and compressor

Keep a portable gauge and air compressor handy, or use the equipment available at your local petrol station. A quick check every two weeks (or every fuel fill-up) is ideal.

4. Inflate or deflate to the correct level

• Attach the gauge to the valve stem and press firmly to stop air escaping

• Compare the reading to the recommended level

• If pressure is too low, add air using the compressor

• If pressure is too high, press the valve briefly to release air

Repeat the process for all four tyres — and don’t forget to check your spare tyre.

The takeaway

In winter, cold temperatures can quietly reduce your tyre pressure — but regular checks can keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.

By maintaining the correct pressure:

• You’ll improve fuel economy

• Reduce tyre wear

• Enhance safety and grip on icy, wet roads

A few minutes every couple of weeks can make a big difference in keeping you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe throughout the winter season.