Biting Cold, Sinking Pressure – North Dakota Drivers Respond to Tire Warnings

North Dakota is no stranger to cold weather. We had a cold snap in late October and sailed through November and December. This last week has been pretty tough on everything! Cattle, trucks, people, even tires! As a resident of the Peace Garden state. we are all aware of the risks that extreme cold poses to individuals as well as pets, but what about our cars?

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You have likely noticed the "low tire pressure" indicator on your dashboard since the cold snap took hold in the region. Mine started flashing on Saturday morning. You know the one. It's usually orange in color, it has an exclamation point inside what appears to be a tread-free tire on the bottom. Les Schwab Tires states that the weather can have a significant impact on the tire pressure of your car.

The difference between winter and summer tire pressure might be as much as 10 PSI. The TPMS light will probably turn off by itself as the air in your tires warms up, expands, and reaches the right inflation levels, depending on how cold it is. If the TPMS light does not go off after the tires have heated up, bring your tires up to the proper pressure or have your air pressure checked by a reputable tire ship. If it still does not turn off, you may need to reset the TPMS light.

In any case, have your air checked out immediately. Your tires are not at the recommended air pressure when you see the TPMS light. This poses a risk to your safety, particularly in the winter when the decrease in air pressure can lead to poor handling and more tire wear. It could also have an impact on your gas mileage.

Let's remember to take care of our dependable automobiles so they can safely handle slippery roads, and all that winter brings to the region. Stay warm, and stay safe out there.

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