Do I need to increase tyre pressures in cold weather?

With a wealth of experience in providing the very best van deals, this is a question we get every so often from our customers here at Van Discount. The short version is that yes, you do need to increase tyre pressures in cold weather. Basically, as temperatures drop, this causes the air inside your tyres to contract, which causes the tyre pressure to decrease. For every 10°C drop in temperature, you lose around 1-2 PSI. This means that during the winter months, when temperatures fluctuate, your tyres are more likely to be underinflated if they were set to the correct pressure in warmer conditions.

That has potentially serious consequences for the safety of your van, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure that you (and your staff) are up to speed. Here’s what you need to know.

Why tyre pressure matters for van safety

When it comes to the safety and efficiency of your van, your tyre pressure is an absolutely critical factor.

You know the basics already – properly inflated tyres ensure they maintain optimal contact with the road, improving handling, reducing braking distances, and enhancing fuel economy. Underinflated tyres, on the other hand, have a larger contact patch with the road, which can result in excessive wear, reduced grip, and poorer performance, particularly on wet or icy roads. That in turn means a greater risk of losing traction, longer braking distances, and the potential for overheating, which could result in tyre damage or blowouts. That can easily end up taking you off the road – sometimes terrifyingly quickly.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is also vital when carrying heavy loads, as you’re often doing when driving a van. Underinflated tyres place additional stress on the vehicle, leading to faster wear and increased fuel consumption. It can also result in unnecessary repairs or the need for early tyre replacements.

Steps for checking tyre pressure in winter

As we’re sure we’ve hammered home by now, it’s important to check your tyre pressure regularly during colder months. It doesn’t necessarily have to be every morning, but once every week or so would be a good start.

In case you need a few pointers, here’s how to do it:

• Check when tyres are cold. Always check your tyre pressure in the morning before you drive. As you’re driving, the tyres will steadily warm up, which can give a misleading reading. To make certain you have an accurate measurement, make sure you check before you start driving.
• Use a reliable gauge. While many modern vans come with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), it’s still a good idea to use a manual or digital pressure gauge for a more precise reading. TPMS can be a helpful reminder, but it shouldn’t replace manual checks!
• Adjust pressure as needed. If you find that your tyre pressure is low, you just need to use an air compressor to add air until it reaches the recommended PSI. Many petrol stations have air pumps available, or you can use a portable compressor at home. Be careful not to overinflate; add air gradually and check the pressure frequently.
• Check again after adding air. Once you’ve added air, check the pressure again to ensure it’s within the correct range. It’s a good idea to recheck all tyres, as they can lose pressure at different rates.

Extra winter tyre care tips

In addition to checking tyre pressures, it’s important to take extra care of your tyres during the winter months. It’s a good idea to consider switching to winter tyres if you regularly drive in colder or snowy conditions – these are made from a rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures, offering improved grip.

It’s also a good plan to regularly inspect your tyres for signs of wear or damage, particularly after driving on icy or rough roads. Rotating your tyres as recommended by the manufacturer ensures even wear, which can maximise safety, and extend the lifespan of your tyres. One last thing to bear in mind is the load you’re carrying in your van, as an uneven load distribution can put excessive pressure on certain tyres, leading to faster wear.

That’s all the essentials covered! We’ll leave the details to you – as for us, we’ll stick to doing what we do best, and that’s giving you the very best cheap van deals, enabling you to enjoy up to 30% off the RRP of selected models! Call now on 01282 872 530 to take advantage of our expert advice and the best new van deals today.