Tire Pressure Changes: What’s Normal?

October 4, 2023

Tire Pressure Changes: What's Normal? When the temperature outside changes, so can the pressure in your car's tires. So, yes, it is normal for tire pressure to fluctuate. Knowing about tire pressure changes and what changes are abnormal can help keep your tires and your car in tip-top shape

Does Tire Pressure Fluctuate With Temperature?

As a rule of thumb, when temperatures go up, the pressure in your car's tires also goes up. This can cause overinflation of your tires. Meanwhile, when temperatures go down, the pressure in your car's tires normally drops. This can lead to underinflation of your tires.

Generally, for every 10-degree shift in air temperature, tire pressure will fluctuate by about 2%. So, in warmer weather, there could be a 2% increase (about 1 pound per square inch, or psi), and in colder weather, there could be a 2% decrease.

Underinflated tires can generate excessive heat build-up and stress, triggering irregular wear and internal damage. Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or damaged when hitting an obstacle like a pothole.

Does Tire Pressure Change With Altitude?

Tire pressure increases when you drive from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, and it decreases when you go from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. But the fix for this is simple: Adjust the tire pressure when you go to a higher altitude and return to a lower altitude, and vice versa. This adjustment should help reduce tread wear and make it easier to control your vehicle.

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

To work correctly, car tires need a certain level of air pressure. That level is measured in psi. If there's too little or too much air pressure in your tires, it can affect your cars handling, cause irregular tread wear, and even lead to a flat tire.

Generally, cars manufactured after 2007 are equipped with systems that automatically monitor the pressure of your tires, alerting you when the pressure is too low by illuminating a symbol on the dashboard. These systems, known as Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), warn drivers when tires are 25% underinflated.

If the tire pressure isn't correct, it can decrease the longevity of your tires, minimize the comfort of your ride, and jeopardize your safety and the safety of your passengers and your car.

What's Normal for Tire Pressure?

You typically can determine the normal tire pressure for your car by checking the sticker inside the door jamb of the driver's-side door or looking in the owner's manual. For most cars, the recommended psi is 32 to 35 when the tires are cold. When the tires have warmed up due to road friction, it can throw off the tire pressure reading.

Keep in mind that you should not inflate your tires to the pressure shown on the sidewall of a tire. That number refers to the most pressure a tire can hold instead of the suggested tire pressure.

How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure?

It's recommended that you check your car's tire pressure once a month, using the same tire gauge each time to ensure consistent readings. The measurement should be done when your tires are cold, meaning the car has been parked for a few hours.

Even if there hasn't been a recent fluctuation in the outdoor temperatures, your tires still lose about 1 to 3 psi of pressure per month. Damage to the tires and wheels also can cause loss of pressure.

So, if the temperatures where you live and drive remain about the same for long periods, the tire pressure almost certainly will decrease unless you keep the pressure at the proper level. And, of course, big shifts in the temperature can cause even bigger fluctuations in tire pressure.

When Should You Buy New Tires?

If one or more of your car's tires have been seriously damaged or have gone flat, you should get new tires. But typical fluctuations in tire pressure don't mean you need new tires, unless those fluctuations have led to severe tire damage. So, when should you replace your tires? Here are some general recommendations:

• Roughly every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, no matter how old the tires are.
• Every six years, regardless of how many miles have been driven on them. (Many manufacturers say their tires can last for 10 years.)
• When the tread depth is at or below 3/32 inches. By comparison, the tread depth of a new tire is about 10/32 or 11/32 inches.
• If the tire consistently fails to maintain the correct air pressure. You might be able to fix relatively minor tire damage. But if something more serious, such as a cracking or splitting sidewall, is causing pressure problems, it's probably time for new tires.

Before adjusting your car's tire pressure or replacing the tires, check your owner's manual for recommendations that apply to the make and model of your car.

Are your tires losing pressure more often than they should? You could be due for a new set. Shop for tires at INFINITI Parts & Accessories to find the right fit for your vehicle and lifestyle. Order online from the convenience of your own home and visit an authorized service center for help with installation.