What is the correct pressure in winter and all-season tires?

Maintaining the correct pressure in car tires is crucial for their durability and efficiency, which translates directly into driving safety. What are the recommendations for pressure in winter and all-season tires and where can I find the appropriate information?

Correct tire pressure – why is it so important?

Before introducing new car models to the market, each manufacturer conducts a series of research and tests. On their basis, tables of recommended tire pressure values are developed. These values usually vary depending on the body or engine version of the vehicle. This indicates that even a small change in pressure value may affect the use of the car. So where to check the appropriate pressure for our vehicle? One way is to use the configurator available at: https://www.sklepopon.com/konfigurator-cisczenia . The indications contained therein are based on data from one of the leading tire manufacturers.

Why do car and tire manufacturers put so much emphasis on accurately specifying the recommended tire pressure? Safety is the key. Both too low and too high pressure affect the car's behavior on the road. If there is too little air in the tire, it becomes more susceptible to skidding, especially on wet asphalt. Braking distances also increase and the risk of oversteering or understeering in corners increases. If the pressure is too high, the tire contacts the surface with an incomplete surface designed by the manufacturer, which leads to reduced grip and potential skidding.

Incorrect tire pressure also affects the technical condition of car components. For example, over-inflated tires generate strong vibrations, which translates into faster wear of suspension components. The tires themselves also undergo accelerated degradation - incorrect pressure leads to uneven wear of the tread, which shortens their life.

What should be the pressure in winter and all-season tires? Where to check it?

Manufacturers provide recommended tire pressure values referring to specific sizes that are approved for a given vehicle model. These recommendations do not differentiate between tire types - these values apply to summer, winter and all-season tires. Pressure information can be found not only in the previously mentioned calculator, but also in the vehicle documentation.

Each car owner's manual contains a list of recommended and permissible tire (and rim) sizes along with the appropriate pressure values. It is important to take into account that the pressure may vary depending on the vehicle load - there may be different values for driving solo, with passengers or with a full trunk. If for some reason we do not have the owner's manual, similar information can be found on the nameplate in the vehicle. Depending on the model, such a plate may be placed in the fuel filler flap, on the body pillar or in the glove compartment on the passenger side. It usually presents data for basic tire sizes, i.e. those with which a given car model left the factory.

How often should you check your tire pressure?

Experts from the automotive industry emphasize that regular checking of tire pressure is one of the key responsibilities of every driver. It is recommended to carry out such an inspection at least once a month, although if the car is used intensively, the inspection may be needed more often. In difficult weather conditions, typical of winter, it is even worth checking the pressure every week. This is especially important for users of all-season tires that are not replaced seasonally.

To check the pressure accurately, you can use a gauge available in automotive stores or gas stations. People who have cars with TPMS have it easier because the system monitors pressure in real time. Nevertheless, it is worth checking regularly whether the values indicated for individual wheels are consistent with each other.