Posted on 9/25/2012
After months of sweltering summer heat, these cooler fall days are a welcome relief to many of us. But when it comes to our cars, rapid changes in temperature can trigger a troubling dashboard warning light: A glowing orange or red low tire pressure indicator. The good news is: Your car is doing exactly what it’s supposed to, and the fix is about as easy and cost-free as it gets. Here’s what’s happening: All 2008 and newer vehicles, as well as many 2006 and 2007 model year cars and trucks, are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you when the air in your tires drops about 25 percent beneath the recommended specification. (Some vehicles will trigger the light at less than a 25 percent drop in air pressure.) For every 10 degrees the ambient air temperature changes, your tire pressure will fluctuate about 1 psi. If you or your ... read more