What Is Cold Inflation Pressure?
Cold inflation pressure refers to the air pressure inside a tire measured at a specific ambient temperature, commonly set at 20°C (68°F). This reference temperature is selected based on what is considered the ideal ambient condition for the tire’s operation. However, there exists some variation in defining cold inflation pressure across tire manufacturers. The ambient temperature may vary from 18oC to 25oC.
Cold inflation pressure can also be defined as the pressure in vehicle tires before they are warmed up by driving.
What Is the Recommended Cold Inflation Pressure?
The recommended cold inflation pressure for most passenger cars ranges from 2.1 to 2.4 bars (210 to 240 kPa; 30 to 35 psi). You can find this information in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. You can also find it on a placard on the vehicle’s door edge, pillar, glovebox door, or fuel filler flap​​.
Normal tire pressure is usually between 32~40 psi (pounds per square inch) when they are cold.
Impact of Temperature on Cold Inflation Pressure
The pressure in a tire is directly affected by ambient temperature. This is because cold tire absolute pressure (which includes gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure) varies in direct proportion to the absolute temperature, measured in Kelvin. The ideal gas law in physics (PV = nRT) explains this relationship: a 1% increase in absolute temperature leads to a 1% increase in absolute pressure if the tire’s volume remains constant​​​​.
Why Is It Recommended to Inflate the Tires When They Are Cold (Ambient Temperature)?
Checking and inflating tires when they are cold, or at ambient temperature, is mandatory for several key reasons:
- Accuracy: Tire pressure readings are most accurate when the tires are cold. As tires warm up during driving, the air inside expands, leading to higher pressure readings. A cold tire provides a more consistent baseline for measurement.
- Safety and Performance: Inaccurate pressure readings from warm tires could lead to under-inflation or over-inflation. It affects braking, handling, and the overall performance of the vehicle.
- Tire Longevity: Maintaining correct tire pressure prevents excessive wear. Under-inflated tires can cause uneven wear, particularly along the edges, while over-inflation leads to excessive wear in the center tread.
- Fuel Efficiency: Correct tire pressure helps maintain fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder and consume more fuel.
- Reduced Emissions: Proper tire inflation contributes to lower vehicle emissions by maintaining efficient engine performance and fuel usage.
Examples and Practical Implications
For instance, a tire inflated to 2.2 bar at 27°C (300 K) will experience a 1% increase in absolute pressure if the temperature rises by 3°C (to 303 K). This increase in temperature results in a slight but noticeable change in pressure.
Conversely, a tire inflated in much colder conditions (at -23°C or 250 K) would need a smaller temperature increase to see the same percentage increase in pressure. This demonstrates how even minor temperature changes can impact tire pressure significantly​​.
Seasonal Variations and Tire Maintenance
Seasonal temperature fluctuations can lead to appreciable changes in tire pressure. For instance, the transition from summer to winter or vice versa can cause a significant variation in tire pressure, necessitating regular checks and adjustments. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for optimal fuel economy, reduced emissions, and preventing tire damage due to under or over-inflation​.