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Temperature drops can lower tire pressure and affect handling, braking and fuel efficiency. Here\u2019s how to prepare your tires for a cold front.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dan Leeth\/Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
A sudden North Texas cold front can lower a vehicle\u2019s tire pressure before it even leaves the driveway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t wait for the light on the dashboard <\/a>to appear. The pressure may already be low, and continuously decreasing, by the time it pops up.\u00a0<\/p>\n The American Automobile Association suggests North Texas motorists pay a little extra attention to their tires as the weather fluctuates to stay safe on the road.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Related: What to know about tire maintenance, avoiding blowouts in Dallas<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about taking care of your tires as cooler weather rolls in.\u00a0<\/p>\n What happens to tires when the temperature drops?<\/p>\n Tire pressure can drop 1 PSI, or pounds per square inch, for every 10-degree temperature drop, according to Daniel Armbruster, senior public affairs specialist for AAA.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThat means if temperatures fall 30 degrees overnight, drivers could see their tire pressure drop by approximately three PSI,\u201d Armbruster said. \u201cThat’s particularly important in Texas, where we can experience significant temperature swings in a short period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The most common indicator of low tire pressure is when the dashboard light illuminates. Before the light appears, drivers may notice a tire appears visibly low or the wheel \u201cfeels sluggish when steering.\u201d<\/p>\n How does low tire pressure affect driving?<\/p>\n Underinflated tires can reduce steering responsiveness, compromise traction on the road and negatively affect braking performance, especially on wet or slippery roads. Low pressure also increases rolling resistance, the force that slows a moving tire down, which means the engine has to work harder and uses more fuel, Armbruster said.\u00a0<\/p>\n