A cold front is sweeping through San Antonio and parts of Texas this weekend, bringing a much-needed break from the summer-like temperatures that have persisted well into this fall. But colder weather comes with a few consequences, and you may want to check your tires before you risk a blowout. Here’s what to know.
Arriving overnight into Friday morning, the San Antonio and Austin area can expect a cold front to plummet local daytime highs into the 60s and 70s, with morning lows dropping into the 40s and 50s. A few showers may accompany that, along with wind gusts up to 35 mph. Definitely jacket weather, although things will start to warm up again by the start of the week. Still, more permanent cooler weather is on the way in November and December, so it’s time to start prepping your home and vehicle for winter.
Tire pressure is one of the first signs it’s getting cold out, and CBS Austin meteorologist Avery Tomasco predicted that “all Texas cars” will have a warning light on their dashboard this weekend.
During cold fronts or cooler months in general, tires start to lose pressure as outside air becomes denser, according to Consumer Reports. You may see a light come on your dash or notice a difference in how your car handles on the road, since low PSI can wear your tires out, increase stopping distance, impact gas mileage, lane changes, quick maneuvers and more. As you drive, the air inside your tires heats up from extra flexing, which can cause a blowout, according to Take 5. Nobody wants to pay for a new set of tires before they have to.
Take 5 recommends checking your PSI once a month to avoid unwanted car trouble. A label inside your car door should show your car’s target PSI; then use a pressure gauge to take a reading. It’s best to do this when your vehicle hasn’t been driven for a few hours. For DIYers, many gas stations have an air pump, though you’ll likely have to pay to inflate your tires. If you don’t want to check it yourself, several chains in San Antonio, such as Discount Tire, Valvoline, Firestone, Goodyear, and others, will do it (and top you off, if needed) for free.