Your tires might be in good shape in the summer, but when the weather gets colder the last thing you want to do is ignore them. External temperature has a larger effect on tire performance than many people think, and it's important to consider this if you are trying to get better gas mileage, or just drive safer in poor weather.

The key is to maintain correct tire pressure at all times. This is harder when the temperature drops to freezing and below that. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Learn your car's recommended tire pressure. This information can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's door, as well as in your manual. Remember, there is a difference between the recommended pressure and the max PSI. The former is the level you should aim for, while the latter should never be exceeded. Keep in mind that these numbers only apply when your tires are cold.
• Check your tires more frequently. Every 5 degree Celsius change in temperature can cause tire pressure to change by 1 to 2 PSI. So, if the weather changes suddenly, check your tires to make sure that they are still safe to drive on.
• Keep a good tire gauge on hand. You can't determine accurate tire pressure if you are using a cheap, inaccurate gauge. 

Overinflating or underinflating your tires can cause them to wear out faster and may increase fuel consumption and reduce driving stability. You should be aiming to keep your tires inflated to roughly the same level all year round, so make sure you are paying close attention to them in the winter.

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