Change in weather…tire pressure.

[100d]

Live In chicago and with the change in temperature I always get a low tire pressure.
Yesterday temp 70 …today is 50
Last time was on two different tires then this time.
I could fill them or ignore it
Interestingly enough it never happened with my caddy but does with the Tesla.
I assume I could just ignore it but wanted to hear what you all do.

Thanks

M

 

[Takumi]

I fill it. Pressure is more likely to go down further as time progresses.

 

[CCopperpot]

I live in NY and this happens every fall in every car I have ever owned (some seem less sensitive than others). Just had to top mine off a few days ago as a matter of fact.

Colder temps = less dense air = lower tire pressure

 

[100d]

Got it. So no big deal. Just fill it.
Is there a compressor you recommend?

 

[Takumi]

I use the one Costco provides in their parking lot. I used to go to Discount Tire when it was on the way, but sometimes the line's long. I would suspect today would be one of those days.

 

[Takumi]

If you do have someone fill it for you, check to make sure the Schrader valve cap is on tight. They tend to rush and leave it on there loosely.

 

[100d]

Schrader valve cap?

 

[CCopperpot]

Got it. So no big deal. Just fill it.
Is there a compressor you recommend?

Yup! No recommendation on pumps since its somewhat subjective on what's important to you, but I'm a HUGE fan of the type that will fill to a set target.

Also, for anyone that doesn't know (and I think the car might even tell you this), always top them off cold.

 

[CCopperpot]

Schrader valve cap?

valve stem cap

 

[100d]

Ah. Ok. I have those caps.
Yes. Car tells me to
Pump it up to 45 cold.
Appreciate all the advice!

 

[GtiMart]

This link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_inflation_pressure ) has a nice chart that will show you how much of a difference a temperature change does in your tire pressures. Tires are also not perfectly "airtight" and will lose around 1psi per month. You must adjust for both.

I try to adjust mine on a day that has the average temperature for the period. There are cases where I actually reduce pressure, for example when summer comes in, as temperatures vary quite a bit where I live.

 

[zoomer0056]

I live in NY and this happens every fall in every car I have ever owned (some seem less sensitive than others). Just had to top mine off a few days ago as a matter of fact.

Colder temps = less dense air = lower tire pressure

Almost right.
Google search "why does tire pressure decrease with colder temperatures":
The main reason for this is the dropping temperatures, which cause the air to become denser and consequently lower the tire pressure.

 

[CCopperpot]

Almost right.
Google search "why does tire pressure decrease with colder temperatures":
The main reason for this is the dropping temperatures, which cause the air to become denser and consequently lower the tire pressure.

lol you are correct, I brain farted

 

[Krash]

Costco Nitrogen for the win.

Just take off your black stem covers before you give them the car, so that you can replace the green ones they’ll inevitably put back on, no matter how many times you ask them to leave on the black.

 

[bkcyk]

Just buy a portable air compressor and battery. I personally don't like being at random public places for long or relying on other humans if I can help it.

I keep a set in each of my cars.

Air compressor

Battery

 

[airborne spoon]

Costco Nitrogen for the win.

Just take off your black stem covers before you give them the car, so that you can replace the green ones they’ll inevitably put back on, no matter how many times you ask them to leave on the black.

I've found out over the hundreds of thousands of miles I've driven in my life the best mix of air for tires in any vehicle is a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, .8% argon, and a super small bit of of carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and methane.

 

[dexter230]

You can also find a tire place that uses nitrogen to fill tires. Nitrogen does not get affected by the weather as much as air does. Costco is one place that I go to, to fill up and it’s free

 

[Takumi]

I've found out over the hundreds of thousands of miles I've driven in my life the best mix of air for tires in any vehicle is a mixture of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, .8% argon, and a super small bit of of carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and methane.

You don't replace your summer air for winter air?





I just keep my winter air in the winter tires.

 

[zoomer0056]

You don't replace your summer air for winter air?





I just keep my winter air in the winter tires.

Just use that fart air, comes with every Tesla.

 

[airborne spoon]

Nitrogen does not get affected by the weather as much as air does.

Air… as I said above is 78% nitrogen. When they fill your tires with straight nitrogen you end up with about 80-85% nitrogen inside the tire. So basically just use normal air because you're not getting any benefits as minimal as they may be anyway