The drop in temperature in Texas is triggering a wave of tire pressure warnings

AUSTIN, Texas – Motorists in Texas are facing an unexpected consequence of the state’s recent temperature change: a spike in low tire pressure warnings, triggered by fundamental physics.

The dramatic shift from persistently hot to cool weather has caused tire pressure monitoring systems to flash warnings on the dashboard, leading to expected long lines at tire service centers.

“As the air molecules in the tire suddenly cool and move closer together, the pressure drops,” said CBS Austin meteorologist Avery Tomasco. This reaction follows the ideal gas law, a fundamental principle of physics in which lower temperatures result in lower pressure, regardless of a tire’s age or recent service.

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The problem even affects recently serviced vehicles because the relationship between pressure and temperature is constant.

Tomasco said this is a normal occurrence with significant temperature fluctuations.

“I suspect there will be a very long line at every discount tire store in the Lone Star State,” Tomasco said.