Why Does a Low Tire Pressure Monitor System Come on in the Cold?
Tire pressure systems, which originally monitored tire pressure in aircraft landing gear, later evolved to alert automobile drivers of low tire pressure; all newer vehicles now require them. The system may alert you when it becomes cold for several possible reasons.
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Outside Temperature
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Air contracts when it cools, so cold air creates low pressure in the tires. In severe cold, when the vehicle has sat for awhile, this cold air can even cause tires to seem flat. As weather cools, monitor and correct tire pressure frequently.
Escaping Air
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The cold also makes the air less dense. Therefore, it can slip through loose valve stems that can hold denser air. Check the valve stem for tightness when monitoring tire pressure, which may allow you to correct a low tire pressure warning.
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Icy Parking Areas
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Some icy parking areas may cause a sudden drop in air pressure, causing your monitor to go off. Often manifested as a false low pressure reading, it will correct itself quickly once driving resumes. If it does not, check and correct low tire pressure immediately.
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References
- Photo Credit hélices et train d'atterrissage image by rachid amrous-spleen from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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tyrepal
Dec 21, 2010
Cold air does reduce the pressure in tyres and tyres should be set to the manufacturers' recommended pressure while they are 'cold'. As the car is driven, the tyres warm up and pressures increase about 10%, and the recommendations take account of this, so inflation should always be checked before driving any distance. Seasonal temperature changes have a significant effect on tyre pressure, but tyres should be maintained at a similar pressure level in winter and summer. This means that they need more air in the winter and less in summer. Tyre pressure monitoring systems are required in all new cars in the USA, but not yet in Europe, where new regulations will come into force between 1012 and 2014. In the meantime, European drivers can purchase aftermarket tyre pressure monitoring systems like the TyrePal system which continuously displays the tyre pressure and sounds an alert for...
