Why Car Tires Go Flat in Winter: What You Need to Know
Cold weather can be bad for your car, especially in relation to tires. Have you ever encountered a deflated tire in the morning, especially when the climate is chilly? This is something that is very familiar to many drivers especially in the course of winter. But why does it happen?
The Main Causes:
Cold Weather: During the winter, the air inside the tires shrinks because temperature decreases, thus decreasing tire pressure. It has been shown that the chill also affects the pressure, and with each ten degrees, it can go down by one to two units of PSI.
Stiffer Rubber: Cold winter temperatures causes the tire rubbers to become hard and this makes it not to be able to seal small punctures. This in turn increases the probability of air leaks, leading to reduced energy efficiency.
Road Hazards: Hazards such as ice, snow and potholes become more frequent especially during winter season and can significantly damage under-inflated tires due to excessively bouncing motion.
How to Prevent Flat Tires:
Check Tire Pressure: Also, check your tire pressure often during the cold season.
Use Winter Tires: They are made to use in cold climates and help in preventing situations where one is stuck with a flat tire.
Inspect Tires: Search for developing signs such as cracks or punctures that may be dangerous during winter.
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