Edmunds states you should check the pressure when the tires are cold, as the friction from driving causes them to heat up and affects the pressure. Check them first thing in the morning or, if you’re already driven the car, Consumer Reports recommends waiting at least three hours for the tires to cool down.

Vehicle manufacturer recommended tire pressures are to be checked and set when “cold.” These conditions are typically defined as, in the morning before ambient air temperatures rise, the vehicle is driven or exposed to direct sunlight; all of which will cause a temporary artificial buildup.

That’s because the outside temperature has an impact on tire pressure. When the temperature is high, the air in your tires takes up more volume, whereas when the temperature is cold, the air takes up less volume. The inflation pressure in tires generally drops by 1 to 2 psi for every 10 degrees the temperature lowers.

Yes, you typically need to inflate your tires in cold weather. As we’ll explain, low temperatures often mean low tire pressure, and low tire pressure could mean dangerous driving.

Most passenger cars will recommend 32 psi to 35 psi in the tires when they’re cold. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle.

Overinflated Tires Wear Out Your Tires Faster & Unevenly Uneven tire wear can also be the result of overinflation. When your tires have too much air it causes the center of the tread to bow out and wear first. Because of this you will need new tires more often and have a less than comfortable ride.

Over-inflating tires causes the sidewalls and tread of the tire to become harder than normal. This can reduce the traction and performance of the tire, as well as cause uneven tire wear. Overly-inflated tires will also cause the vehicle to have a harsher, more unstable ride than properly inflated ones.