Cool weather tire maintenance

[salukispeed]

I was nearly bit by my lazy attitude. The weather has dropped to low 30's this week and I continued to just hop on my 84 interstate as usual. A normal expressway ramp nearly got me when the tire grip suddenly seemed to go away. I got lucky and did not fall. When I got home I found the the tire pressure was 24 in the front and 25 in the rear. I know better and was just lazy. So check your tires and again watch for wet leaves. as both will get you hurt!!!!

[robin1731]

That goes for vehicles with 4 wheels too.

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[duke182]

Several years ago 19 degrees and that same lazy streak put me on my face.
I kept the chewed up visor for the wall of shame.

[dontwantapickle]

[desertrefugee]

78F at 7:30PM. I will keep the excellent warning in mind, but may not see the pressure drop for a while...

[Whiskerfish]

Many Helicopter rotor blades are pressurized to about 8-10 psi of nitrogen as part of the crack detection system. People used to get pissed off when I would write up a work order every fall to top them all off. A fair amount of work but would save us from having busted launches in the long run. A sudden drop in outside air temp makes a big difference in pressures and sometimes it was enough to provide a false warning.

The same thing happens with tires when the temps drop. 41 degrees F here yesterday morning from an overnight low of 70 just a couple weeks ago. Bet my tires are down a good 6 or 8 psi right now.

[Steve81GL1100]

In this cool fall weather, I check pressures daily. Before I had the GL, I could detect a noticeable difference in handling with as little as 1 psi drop in pressure in the tires on my Aprilia. On the GL 1 psi is not so noticeable, but then it's twice the weight. I can definitely tell when it gets to the 2-3 psi area though -- feels like mush. Rather take a couple minutes to check and top off than contemplate some severe consequence.....
Steve