Now that we are nearing the end of November, drivers in Springfield, MO and surrounding areas should focus on transitioning their vehicles from fall to winter. One of the biggest concerns that you should have as the temperatures drop is tire pressure. Driving with under-inflated tires can loom dangers larger than you think. Read on to learn more about how your tires are affected during this time of year.

If you know a thing or two about cars, you probably know that your tires’ air pressure never really stays the same throughout the year. As the weather increases and decreases, the air can expand or contract. It’s simple physics. With that being said, our car tires are likely to be underinflated during the winter unless we make adjustments to them. 

One way your vehicle may warn you of this is with the tire pressure warning light. When you see this light, you should check your tires’ pressure and make adjustments to meet your automaker’s specifications. 

In fact, we encourage you to monitor your tire pressure regardless of the presence of the TPMS light. Because for every 10 degrees the temperature drops in Springfield, you can expect at least a 1 psi decrease in tire pressure. Waiting for the TPMS light means that it would take your tires to have deflated by 25% or more of its recommended pressure. At that point, it could be too late in avoiding the damaging effects such as uneven and premature tire wear. .

It is always a good practice to monitor your tire pressure year-round. You will need a tire pressure gauge, dial or digital, to perform the check. You’ll also need to know the PSi that is front and rear tires should be at. Typically, your car’s manufacturer will list the specifics inside the driver’s door jamb. If your tires are too high or low in pressure, you may need to bring it to our shop or the closest fuel station with an air pump to make the appropriate adjustments.

Maintaining your vehicle’s tire pressure isn’t optional but necessary to keep you and others safe on the road. Before the holiday season, let’s take some time to look at our tires and prep them for optimal safety and performance. Please bring your car to J&S Automotive for all your tire needs.