tire pressure light on in "cold" whether

acomelek

New member
Tire light pressure light comes on during cold whether. And with cold, being in AZ, I mean about 55 degrees or so. Last time this happened, the mechanic said it was because the spare tire had low air and the light went off after putting more air to the spare. Now the light is back on and it comes on only when it's colder than about 60. I would appreciate any ideas or direction. Thanks.
 
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I have the exact same problem. The light even goes out when it gets warmer say in direct sunlight but comes back on at night when temps are lower. Tires are fine but have not had the spare checked yet.
 
Tire pressure drops when it's colder out. The tire pressue will change by approximately 1 PSI for about every 10 degrees F.

The light comes on at 27 PSI. For example, if you're running at 30 PSI when it's 60 degrees outside (or in your garage), then the light will probably come on if it's 30 degrees outside.
 
Put air in your tires when it's about 70 degrees out. So whenever that may be for you, morning, evening, etc.... Fill them a little above the 32 PSI suggested. Most people use 32-40, I keep mine at 33-34 during the day. That way when the temp drops, they will still have enough pressure to be safe, and won't trigger your sensor.
 
What's happening is that your tires are warming up after driving a mile or two and then the light turns off because the PSI of the tires increase. To remedy that, just fill up your tires to the recommended pressure in the morning when it's cold. Or if you want to worry less about air temps fluctuating the psi levels, get your tires filled up with Nitrogen. Nitrogen is less affected than normal O2. Don't pay any extra money for Nitrogen though, some places will do it for free.
 
This is happening to me also, 20's in the morning here. Yes, added a little air and I'm fine now.
 
I bought a $20 air compressor from autozone today because my spare was setting off the sensors. Works great. I hated having to rely on gas stations.
 
The light is on because the pressure in your spare tire is low...probably around 25 psi. When the ambient air temp warms, the pressure in the spare rises above the threshold that trips the light. Top off your spare.

Tire pressures should always be adjusted cold. Just look at the side of the tire. It will give you max pressure allowed, then will be followed by the word COLD.

A good technique I use is I top them off a little higher at night (4-5 psi) with my compressor at the house. Then in the morning before I head for work or wherever, I let air out until I hit the recommended 32 psi. For the spare I keep it inflated a little higher as well (about 35 psi) as it keeps me from having to check it as often, AND should I have a blow out, I can throw the spare on and adjust down to the correct pressure. If you don't have on board air, its really hard to air up an under-inflated tire. Its super easy to air-down a few psi.
 

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