Temperature significantly affects the air pressure within tires. As temperatures drop, air molecules contract, reducing the volume they occupy and subsequently lowering the pressure inside the tire. For every 10-degree Fahrenheit decrease in ambient temperature, tire pressure can decrease by approximately 1-2 PSI. This phenomenon is rooted in the ideal gas law, which describes the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas.
Maintaining correct tire inflation is critical for vehicle safety and performance. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing wear and tear. More importantly, they negatively impact handling and braking, increasing the risk of accidents. Regularly checking tire pressure, especially during colder months, is a simple yet crucial preventative maintenance task that can improve safety and extend tire lifespan. The practice of monitoring tire pressure became widespread with the advent of readily available pressure gauges and the increasing emphasis on vehicle efficiency and safety in the 20th century.
