Why do automobile tires have to be deflated when the temperature is cold?

Question

Why do automobile tires have to be deflated when the temperature is cold?

Answer 1

While it is true that air expands when heated, and air contracts when it's cold, tires will lose air over time anyway. Chances are that by the time you check your tires when it's cold out, they've already lost pressure.

Making sure your tires have the right pressure will prolong the life of the tire and make sure you have proper contact on the road - in >all< seasons.

You don't need to let air out of your tires in the winter. Just make sure they're at the right pressure. It'll take quite a bit to burst them with an air hose, and you have to basically want to do it. The 'winter air / summer air' in your tires is a myth. Just

check them regularly before you do any long driving, like when you first start off in the morning when the tires are cold, even in the summer. That's the pressure that you should be worried about.

Answer 2

they tend to blow out much easier in cold weather if they are overinflated

Answer 3

Usually there is a variance of a few degrees that are acceptable and you don't go changing the pressure each day.

Answer 4

because when you drive, the tires heat ( by friction against the street) and the air inside them expands. so you deflate them to have the right pressure while you are driving.