Use Tire Pressure Monitoring in Temperature Swings

The Problem

Your TPMS light comes on every fall morning. You think something is wrong with the tires.

The Hack

When temperatures drop in fall, check and adjust tire pressure — add air to compensate for cold. When temps rise in spring, check again — tires may be over-inflated.

Why It Works

Air contracts in cold and expands in heat. Tires set to 35 PSI in 80°F summer will read 31 PSI when temps drop to 40°F — triggering the low-pressure warning and reducing fuel economy.

Pro Tips

• Fall: tires need air added (cold = contraction)
• Spring: tires may need air released (heat = expansion)
• Check monthly and after major temperature swings
• TPMS light in fall morning is almost always just the cold — add air