Winter magnifies small tyre issues, so a bit of prevention goes a long way. Check your pressures regularly.
As temperatures drop, so does the air pressure in your tyres. It’s a small change that many drivers overlook, but underinflated tyres are one of the most common and dangerous winter driving issues in the UK. What feels like a minor maintenance detail can quietly affect your safety, your wallet, and the lifespan of your tyres.
1. Fuel inefficiency
Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to keep the car moving. This directly increases fuel consumption. Over winter, when engines already run less efficiently due to cold starts and heavier electrical use, low tyre pressure can push your fuel costs up even further. In real terms, this means more frequent trips to the pump for something that takes minutes to prevent.
2. Reduced control and braking
Tyres are your only point of contact with the road. When pressure is too low, the tyre deforms more than it should, reducing steering precision and stability. In wet, icy, or slushy conditions, this becomes a serious problem. Braking distances increase, cornering becomes less predictable, and the risk of aquaplaning rises. In winter, when grip is already compromised, underinflation significantly increases the chance of losing control.
3. Faster wear and higher replacement costs
Low pressure causes uneven wear, particularly along the outer edges of the tyre. This not only shortens tyre life but also makes blowouts more likely, especially on long motorway journeys. Replacing tyres early is far more expensive than maintaining correct pressure, yet it’s one of the most common avoidable costs for drivers.
Why winter makes it worse
For every 10°C drop in temperature, tyre pressure falls by roughly 1 PSI. So even if your tyres were correctly inflated in autumn, they are probably underinflated by mid-winter without you realising.
The simple solution: regular checks
The easiest way to avoid all of this is regular pressure checks and basic inspections. Mobile tyre services now make this effortless. A technician can come to your home or workplace, check pressures, inspect tread depth and sidewalls, and correct any issues on the spot. It takes minutes and removes the guesswork.
In winter, tyre pressure isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about safety. Regular mobile checks are one of the simplest, highest-impact habits you can adopt to stay safe, save money, and extend the life of your tyres.
Midland Tyre Solutions
