Tire pressure in winter
01-18-2004, 12:39 PM
#1
Hi guys,
In -20 weather, my tire pressure seems to drop. Am I supposed to add air so that's it's back up to the recommended PSI in the manual?
What happens when it gets warmer? Am I supposed to let some air back out to get it back to the recommended PSI? Thanks.
In -20 weather, my tire pressure seems to drop. Am I supposed to add air so that's it's back up to the recommended PSI in the manual?
What happens when it gets warmer? Am I supposed to let some air back out to get it back to the recommended PSI? Thanks.
01-18-2004, 10:08 PM
#3
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Posts: n/a
Cold air is denser. So, a given volume of air (ie: trapped in a confined space) will decrease when the temp drops.
As for adjusting the air pressure, it depends on how much you drive. If you can get the tires up to temperature (ie: a run on the highway), then you are likely fine. Check them cold, check them hot and work out a happy balance. You don't want them to get too hard in the winter. Higher tire pressures mean a smaller contact patch and in the winter, that just isn't going to help.
As for adjusting the air pressure, it depends on how much you drive. If you can get the tires up to temperature (ie: a run on the highway), then you are likely fine. Check them cold, check them hot and work out a happy balance. You don't want them to get too hard in the winter. Higher tire pressures mean a smaller contact patch and in the winter, that just isn't going to help.
01-19-2004, 06:13 AM
#6
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Posts: n/a
That number rings a bell..
Another advantage to the increased air density of cold is why turbocharged cars run intercoolers. When air is compressed, it heats up, obviously loosing density. The air passes through a heat exchanger (intercooler) and cools down.
With a denser air charge entering the engine, you are essentially packing more oxygen into the combustion chamber and you can feed it more air. Bottom line, you make more power... My WRX goes like a banshee on cool winter days (once it's warmed up)..
Another advantage to the increased air density of cold is why turbocharged cars run intercoolers. When air is compressed, it heats up, obviously loosing density. The air passes through a heat exchanger (intercooler) and cools down.
With a denser air charge entering the engine, you are essentially packing more oxygen into the combustion chamber and you can feed it more air. Bottom line, you make more power... My WRX goes like a banshee on cool winter days (once it's warmed up)..
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