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Ambient Temperature Change and Tire Pressure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Do not inflate tire higher than maximum pressure stamped on tire sidewall.

Tire pressures fluctuate with temperature changes. For this reason, tire pressure must be set to specification when tires are at outdoor ambient temperatures. If the vehicle is allowed to warm up to shop temperatures, and the outside temperature is less than shop temperature, the tire inflation pressure must be adjusted accordingly.

If the tires are inflated to specification at shop temperatures and the vehicle is moved outdoors when the outdoor ambient temperature is significantly lower, the tire pressure may drop enough to be detected by the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and activate the TPMS warning lamp.

As the ambient temperature decreases by 6°C (10°F), tire pressure decreases 7 kPa (1 psi). Adjust the tire pressure by 7 kPa (1 psi) for each 6°C (10°F) ambient temperature drop as necessary to keep the tire at the specified vehicle certification label pressure. Refer to Fig 1 to adjust the tire pressure indoors for colder outside temperatures.

Fig 1: Ambient Temperature Change And Tire Pressure Chart
G04617535Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.