Why does my tire pressure light come on when it gets cold?
Car Care Questions · Barron, WI
Why does my tire pressure light come on when it gets cold?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Tire pressure drops in colder temperatures, per FuelEconomy.gov, so the first cold mornings often trigger the low-pressure light. Inflate to the pressure on the driver's door-jamb sticker or in your owner's manual, not the maximum printed on the tire's sidewall.
The details
Why it matters, per FuelEconomy.gov:
- Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all four tires.
- Keeping tires at the right pressure improves mileage by 0.6% on average, and properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
- Lower pressure also raises rolling resistance in winter.
If the light stays on after you fill the tires to the door-jamb pressure, have the tire and sensor checked.
Need it looked at? Schedule service in Barron.
Book online or call the service department for your brand. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
More Car Care Questions answers
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- What does the check engine light mean?
- Why do car batteries die in cold weather?
- How often should I change my oil?
- Will using an independent shop void my new-car warranty?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Winter tires in Barron County
- Schedule service
- Oil change intervals by model
- Maintenance records and your warranty
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
What tire pressure should I use?
The number on the driver's door-jamb sticker or in the owner's manual, not the maximum on the tire sidewall.
How much does low tire pressure hurt gas mileage?
About 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in average pressure, according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Do I need winter tires in Barron County?
They're not required, but they help on snow and ice. See our winter tire guide.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA): Keeping your vehicle in shape: fueleconomy.gov
- FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA): Fuel economy in cold weather: fueleconomy.gov