When temperatures drop, the air inside tires contracts, leading to lower pressure. This can trigger the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to illuminate a warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard. For example, a vehicle with properly inflated tires at 70F might trigger the TPMS in freezing conditions.
Maintaining correct tire pressure is crucial for vehicle safety and efficiency. Underinflation increases rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy and increasing tire wear. It also negatively impacts handling and braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Historically, drivers relied on manual gauges to check pressure, but TPMS technology, now standard in most vehicles, provides continuous monitoring and alerts drivers to potential problems proactively.