Why your tyre pressure warning light comes on in the snow – and what you can do about it

Driving

5 min read

Driving in ice and snow isn’t a pleasant experience, and the last thing you’ll want to see is a warning light on your dashboard.

It’s easy to panic when the tyre pressure warning list comes on in wintery conditions – but it doesn’t always mean you have an issue.

That’s because cold weather can play havoc with your tyres, causing pressure to drop temporarily and triggering your tyre pressure warning light even when your tyres are completely intact.

So, before you ring for breakdown assistance, here’s everything you need to know about why your tyre pressure warning light might come on in the snow and what you should do next.

Can cold weather cause tyre pressure to drop?

The short answer is yes, and it’s actually very common.

Your tyre pressure warning light is linked to your car's tyre pressure management system (TPMS). This system constantly checks the air pressure in each tyre and triggers a warning light when the pressure drops below a specific level.

How is this linked to cold weather? Well, cold air is denser (heavier) than warm air, so as the temperature outsides falls, the air inside each tyre contracts. This reduces the pressure in the tyres and is often enough to trigger the TPMS.

This is especially likely first thing in the morning if your car has been parked outside all night.

However, while the issue is very common, under-inflated tyres can still be dangerous, especially on icy roads.

Why has the light only come on now when it’s been cold for ages?

Fair question. The answer lies in how your tyres behave as you drive.

When weather conditions are milder, driving generates heat from the friction between your tyres and the road. This warms the air inside the tyres, increasing the pressure slightly and often preventing the light from coming on.

However, in snowy or icy conditions, it takes longer for your tyres to warm up (especially if you’re driving slowly or stuck in traffic). If the tyres stay cold, they won’t build up enough internal temperature to counteract the outside temperature, and the warning light is more likely to appear.

In short, no two drives are the same. Some days traffic will be better, allowing you to drive faster and your tyres to heat up more quickly. On other days, temperatures will be milder, even when it still feels cold, so the pressure in the tyres doesn’t drop enough to trigger the warning light.

What do I do if my tyre pressure warning light comes on?

Even though the issue is common, you still shouldn’t ignore it when your tyre pressure warning light comes on.

Instead, there are a few things you can do:

Find a nearby garage or service station and use the air pump to check the pressure in all four of your tyres.

Inflate your tyres if necessary to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door)

Reset the warning light if needed, because some cars require you to manually reset the warning light even when the correct pressure if restored.

It would also be worthwhile investing in a portable pump. These are usually relatively low cost and plug into your car’s 12v socket, allowing you to pump up your tyres wherever you are.

What if I think I have a puncture?

Cold weather may be a common cause of low tyre pressure, but it’s not the only one.

Winter driving increases your risk of hitting potholes, curbs, or debris, which can all lead to punctures.

If your warning light stays on even after you’ve topped up the pressure, or if one tyre is consistently low compared to the others, there may be a slow puncture or damage to the wheel. Signs of this include:

A noticeable loss of pressure in one tyre

A wobbling or pulling feeling while driving

Visible damage or a flat-looking tyre

If you’re not sure if it’s safe to drive, don’t take the risk.

In summary, if your tyre pressure warning light comes on in the snow, it doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong. It could simply be the cold affecting the air pressure in your tyres. But it’s still important to check and correct it as soon as possible.

If your car breaks down or suffers a puncture, most breakdown assist policies - including AbbeyAutoline's - will cover you for on-the-spot repairs or for the cost of having your vehicle towed to the nearest garage or service station. You can get in touch with a member of our expert team at 08000 66 55 44.