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How The Cold Weather Can Affect Your Tires

November 4, 2020

Winter is without a season of joy, festivities, social gatherings, sledding, skiing, and other good stuff. But this season could also bring in a fair share of issues for us such as frostbites, icy roads, snowy front porch and sidewalks accompanied by car problems if you’re traveling to colder areas.

Local climate conditions determine tire choices. Many people ignore their tires and how it reacts to the weather. Sometimes, you can’t expect to use summer tires during winter. You might quickly end up with an inflated tire in the middle of the road.

Pressure Loss

There is a correlation between the light of tire pressure coming on and the drop in temperature. The weather plays a significant role in determining the condition of your pressure tire. The fluctuation of temperature causes a change in the tire pressure. Gasses tend to expand under heat and contracts under the decline of temperature.

Your tire’s pressure increases during summer and downgrades during winter. There will be 1 pound pressure loss for every temperature drop of 10 degrees. So when you have to go out for work on a cold winter morning, you need to be mindful of this.

Loss Of Traction & Poor Grip

Summer tires possess lesser rolling resistance compared to the winter tires. It enhances both handling and also efficiency while also decreasing the noise levels. However, the tread of these performance tires operates poorly on both snow and ice.

Summer tires tend to possess weak acceleration during winter. The winter tires will easily outperform the summer tires on the snowy road. Its low rolling resistance causes it to have longer brake distances on snow and ice.

A winter tire tends to possess a deep tread accompanied by sipes that dig in the snow and grips on to the ice. It offers lower braking times, and by difference, the compound of these winter tires is softer and less prone to colder temperatures.

Summer tires come with a rubber compound that is perfectly fitting for warmer weather conditions. As the temperature is dropping, the rubber of the tire stiffens even without ice and snow. In this way, the tire ends up losing traction with time.

If you want a tire that comes equipped with the sipes and treads for withstanding mild winter conditions, then the all-season tire is a great choice. But you should know that majority of the winter tires are customized explicitly for relevant conditions.

Damage Risks

Basic tires don’t fare well even on the roads without snow and ice because the temperature is still cold during winter. The tread of your tire will stiffen and become more vulnerable to breakage with time. With a reduction in traction, the risk level becomes greater for the drivers.

The tire tends to lose elasticity and becomes prone to cracking while driving. There is a chipping risk associated with the excessively rigid thread block. These cracked and chipped tires aren’t safe at all for the drivers to drive on. You need to replace them at the earliest as winter comes.

How The Cold Is Affecting Your Rubber

Lower temperatures pose a threat to your rubber tires. The cold makes your rubber items brittle and harder. Some ultra-top performing summer tires open themselves to the risk of cracking and also losing grip during winter.

These tires start losing their elasticity at about 45 degrees, opening doors for easy breakage and a shorter lifespan.

It is crucial to make sure that you have the right wheels during winter. You need to avoid using high-performing summer-only wheels that are below 25F.

You can always use Crown City Tire Auto Care’s tires as they’re reliable, secure, and most importantly, equipped for the season.

What You Need To Know…

To maintain your car tires and to make it through the winter, here are some of the key pointers that you can take:

You always need to keep your car inside the garage while you are not using it. It is especially crucial in winter where the cold temperature affects your tires.

There is also a negative impact on your gas mileage, which causes you to have trouble handling the vehicle. It leads to an increased fuel bill, which escalates into more unnecessary expenses. So, make it a priority to keep your car inside.

Your car’s pressure system will be an accurate examination of your wheels and whether your wheels are underinflated. It is essential to assess the pressure on all the tires even when you check the system. And yes, you should also check the spare tire.

Make sure to avoid hitting the potholes on the road during winter. It damages your tire’s sidewalls causing them to be weaker. In case you are using an all-season tire, your rubber will lose its grip, and there will be difficulty in coming to a full stop on the icy terrain. Getting a winter tire will solve the issue because they can sustain enough friction in temperatures below 0.

Always make it a habit to check the PSI (Pressure) in all of the tires per month. You need to execute this task in the morning. Checking the PSI after a driving duration will only provide an inaccurate assessment. The tires will start heating up as a result of friction. Plus, the pressure is going to be higher in the reading.

The pressure is going to change 2% in whichever way with each 10?F move in air temperature. The pressure readings need to match your vehicle’s recommended wheel pressure as present in the holder’s manual.

Seek For Help!

If you are confused about the effects of the cold weather and the proper measures you need to take for maintenance, consider getting a repair shop’s help. Go for a repair service that possesses years of experience and is reputable in the city. A tire shop near me, like the tire shop Pasadena is the right choice for the customers living in the vicinity. Customers living in the area or nearby the city can swing to get their tires treated.

Crown City Tire Auto Care is a well-known Pasadena tire shop in the car repairing service for a long time. They break away from the industry’s stigma and create a whole new experience for their clients. Their team consists of honest and transparent workers that work tirelessly to satisfy all of their clients. Plus, they will greet you with complimentary coffee and cookies while you wait!

Don’t wait and give a call to (626) 461-9165 to check on your tires today.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.