How does cold weather affect tyre pressure?
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
As temperatures drop across the UK in autumn and winter, it can affect the pressure in your tyres. The pressurised air is subject to the laws of physics, with warmer conditions increasing pressure and colder conditions making it lower.?
In this guide, we’ll explain why tyre pressure drops in winter, the risks of driving with underinflated tyres, and how to check your tyre pressure throughout the colder months.
Why does tyre pressure drop in winter?
Your tyre pressure naturally drops in the winter weather. Air becomes denser in cold weather as the molecules are less active, which is why the volume of air and subsequently the pressure within your tyre decreases.
There’s a general rule that for every 10ºC fall in temperature, a tyre’s pressure can fall by around 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch). With the UK’s unpredictable weather, it’s normal for tyre pressure to fluctuate.
Your tyres will slowly lose air regardless of the temperature, as the rubber compound that the tyre is made of will allow a certain amount of air to seep out naturally, especially as the tyre ages. Other factors, such as damage to the rim or valve, can cause air to leak out even when the tyre appears undamaged. That’s why it’s recommended to check tyre pressure throughout the year.?
Why should you check your tyre pressure in winter?
You must check your tyre pressure every week, according to the Highway Code, this is especially important during the winter when pressure drops more quickly. It also states that tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification or the load being carried.
Low tyre pressure can negatively affect:
- Braking distances due to reduced grip on icy or wet roads
- Steering (changes in the size of the tyre’s contact patch will affect grip and handling)
- Tyre wear (you will need new tyres sooner)
- Fuel consumption due to the increased resistance caused by softer tyres
- Sidewall condition (increasing the likelihood of punctures or blowouts)
Read our guide to the dangers of driving with low tyre pressure.
Tyres with the wrong inflation aren’t just inefficient, they’re also dangerous. According to data by the RAC, 185 people were killed or seriously injured as a result of a vehicle having illegal, defective or underinflated tyres in 2023, an increase of 26% from the previous year. So, checking your tyre pressure will protect yourself, and other road users, from being involved in serious road accidents
Although your tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will alert you with a warning light on your dashboard if there is an issue with your tyre pressure, this isn’t a replacement for regular manual tyre checks. Regularly checking your tyre pressure will also highlight which tyre is causing your vehicle’s TPMS to be triggered.
What should your tyre pressure be in winter?
Your vehicle’s recommended PSI should be checked when the tyre is cold so recommendations do not change with the seasons. You should always use the PSI your vehicle manufacturer recommends, all year round, which you can find in:
- Your vehicle’s user manual
- The sticker on your door pillar or near your fuel cap
- Formula One Autocentres tyre pressure calculator
Use our online tyre pressure tool to find the correct PSI for your exact make and model to avoid incorrect inflation. The right PSI for your tyres prevents you from paying for replacements through uneven tyre wear and improves your safety when driving in poor weather.?
How to check your tyre pressure?
In accordance with the UK Highway Code’s recommendation, check your tyre pressure every week to keep you and others safe on the road. There are three ways you can do this:
1. Use a portable inflator, pressure gauge or air compressor
There is a range of options from budget-friendly to premium models that you can buy online from marketplaces like Amazon or Argos, as well as tool shops and motor retail stores. Some are handheld and can be kept in your glovebox, others may be slightly bigger and include built-in lights so you can check your tyre pressure in the dark.
2. Visit a petrol station
If you’re able to drive your car safely, you can pull into a petrol station and use their air pump. Always wait for your tyres to cool down before attempting to check tyre pressure. You can set your target PSI so the pump will beep when the setting is reached.
3. Visit Formula One Autocentres for a free tyre pressure check
If you’re unsure about inflating your tyres yourself, or your TPMS warning light keeps lighting up on your dashboard, simply call into your nearest branch for a free check.
4. Find the right tyres for your budget at Formula One Autocentres
Cold weather can be tough on your tyres. Whether you need winter-ready replacements or just some friendly advice, Formula One Autocentres is an ‘Excellent’-rated family business with great-value tyres from leading brands.?
With more than 136 locations to choose from, your nearest branch is ready to help keep you safe this winter.
