An increase or decrease in temperature can change your tire pressure. Here’s how the following seasonal variations can affect yours:

For every 10-degree increase, tire pressure can rise 1 PSI. Also, while tires are in motion, their pressure may increase due to “flexing.”

For every 10-degree decrease, tire pressure can drop 1–2 PSI.
 

For best results, check your tires at least once a month. Follow the tire placard label located on the driver-side door pillar. If you’ve driven more than a couple of miles, wait for the tires to cool to the ambient temperature before checking pressure. Also, invest in routine seasonal tire service to ensure your Hyundai drives smoothly, no matter the time of year.

The combination of hotter temps and increased travel with heavier vehicle loads can push tires, especially neglected or damaged tires, beyond their breaking point. Other reasons for blowouts include:

• Underinflation
• Poor tire maintenance
• Debris on the road (nails, etc.)
• Bad road conditions (potholes, etc.)
• Tires worn past their service life

The simplest way to avoid blowouts is to perform your own regular tire pressure checks and visual inspections. The best way is to have a Hyundai-trained technician inspect your tires for cracks, bulges, weak areas in the sidewall, correct pressure, and proper wear. Have this done during every scheduled maintenance — or come in anytime for a complimentary tire inspection.

Hotter temps can increase tire pressure, but colder temps can decrease it, causing underinflation. Less pressure in your tires means less rigidity. Combine that with your vehicle’s weight and high speeds, and your tires can buckle and “flex.” This means your tires could literally rip and cause a blowout. 

Proper air pressure is only a part of tire safety. Proper tread is also important because it displaces water and snow, and delivers sufficient traction. Have a Hyundai-trained technician perform a complimentary tire inspection to make sure your tread is intact and deep enough to provide optimal safety and performance during acceleration, handling, and braking on flat, uneven, inclined, and declined surfaces in all kinds of weather.

Never ignore a tire pressure warning light. Even minimal underinflation can cause a tire to wear faster and jeopardize your safety. Also, low tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by 0.3% for every 1 PSI. An illuminated tire pressure light may indicate one of the following:

• Rapid tire pressure reduction
• Significant underinflation
• Tire pressure monitor malfunction

Tires having TOO much air might seem OK, but it can be just as dangerous and uncomfortable as tires with too little air. Overinflated tires can deliver negative results, such as:

• Poor handling 
• Faster wear
• Compromised safety
• Bumpy ride