Published on : 07 August 20192 min reading time
Winter tires require higher air pressure
In winter, the air pressure is expected to be about 0.2 bar (20 psi) higher than in summer, as the air pressure decreases in cold weather. If there is wear on both axles of the tire, it means that there is a lack of air in the tire. If the center of the tread has more wear than the edges, this may be because the tire has a high pressure. When the vehicle is loaded, you can increase the atmospheric pressure by 10-15%. Low temperatures result in lower tire pressure. If you also load the car with ski equipment on the roof, make sure to increase the atmospheric pressure. Too low a pressure reduces performance and increases the chances of the car slipping. How to load the car is another important detail. Do not place heavy objects in the roof box, but keep the heaviest luggage as low and as far forward as possible in the car. This gives a low center of gravity and better grip.
Check tire tracks
Before leaving, check the tires and remove all large sharp stones from the tracks. This will provide a smoother ride and reduce the risk of a puncture. You should also use this opportunity to check that the wheel nuts are good. Rust, gravel, sand and dust can fall between the nut and the rim. After a while, these particles decompose and form a hard mass that presses on the nut and can eventually loosen the wheel. If you have driven about 200 km after a tire change or if you have not checked before winter, it is a good idea to check the nuts.
Five tips for safe and economical driving
Check the air pressure at least once a month – and before each long period. Remember that the tires must be cold during the inspection.
- Low atmospheric pressure can overload the tire and interfere with car control.
- Low atmospheric pressure means higher fuel consumption.
- The recommended air pressure is found in the instruction manual, in the fuel filler cap or on the door. The atmospheric pressure should normally be increased at full load.
- Remember that atmospheric pressure varies with temperature. Cold temperatures provide low atmospheric pressure.