tech

February 18, 2026

TPMS Light Comes On in Winter: Here's How Much Extra to Inflate, and There's a More Expensive Solution

With the arrival of colder days, many drivers experience the same unpleasant surprise - the tire pressure warning light comes on the dashboard. This is the TPMS system, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which warns of a drop in pressure in one or more tires. But is this a real problem, or is it just the winter temperature to blame?

TPMS Light Comes On in Winter: Here's How Much Extra to Inflate, and There's a More Expensive Solution

TL;DR

  • Cold temperatures cause air to contract, lowering tire pressure and activating the TPMS light.
  • A 10°C drop in temperature can reduce air pressure by approximately 0.1 bar.
  • Low tire pressure negatively impacts vehicle stability, braking distance, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.
  • Check tire pressure with a digital gauge when tires are cold, ideally in the morning.
  • Recommended pressure values can be found in the vehicle's manual or on a sticker inside the door.
  • If the light persists after inflating, the TPMS system may need resetting or calibration, or a sensor could be faulty.
  • To prevent the light from coming on, slightly overinflate tires by up to 0.2 bar above the recommended pressure during winter.
  • Filling tires with nitrogen is an alternative as it's more stable and less affected by temperature changes.
  • Check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month, regardless of the warning light.

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