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Weather and Tire Pressures
Note: I have previously followed Jon’s instructions and weighed each axle, used the Michelin RV tables, and added a 5psi safety buffer. I run 105/95/90 on my ’92XL.
My question is regards prepping for travel in spring and fall which I do a lot. Times when the temps can be 40 when I leave in the morning and 70s later the same day.
1) If I set cold-pressure at 40-degrees, will that and the 5psi buffer mean I am way over inflated at the end of my drive with warm weather and hot tires?
2) My oil filled dragger-gauge inflator shows 2psi lower than my TPMS bought from Tom. Is there a well calibrated tester I could use to validate pressure readings?3) What max pressure increase is typical from cold to highway speeds?
Thanks. Just one of those things that picks at my brain twice a year.
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3 Replies
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For every 10 degree in temp drop your tires will drop 1 to 2 pounds.
Same formula for temp increase.
Goodyear site.
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Whatever pre-trip pressure is correct, they likely will be OK the way you are inflating them.
If you inflate when the temperatures are high and go to cold temperatures your 5 PSI cushion will be more than adequate to keep pressures within an acceptable range. Going the other way your pressures will increase but unless you exceed the maximum pressure rating of the tire when they are in the higher temps no problem.
You are safe with tires over inflated compared to the charts, but less safe if the pressures are less than the charts.
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Liam,
Great questions. I believe (I could be incorrect here) that the PSI ratings on the Michelin charts are standardized on 70 dgF. I live in a relatively warm climate and often check tire pressures in 90+ degree weather. Should we be factoring tire pressures for warm or cold temperatures? Why would they give you the information on pressure changes for each 10 degrees + or minus. I realize the difference is really insignificant, but always wondered.
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