Low tire pressure? Colder temperatures are likely to blame. Here's what to know

As colder temperatures begin to set around Arizona, drivers on their way to work or at the start of their day may notice the tire pressure sign on their dashboards. But it may not necessarily indicate that something is wrong with your car.

Phoenix-area residents began to see a drop in temperatures last week, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, while parts of northern Arizona had a freeze warning in effect.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix said Monday that the Valley would continue to experience below-normal temperatures throughout the week.

Here's what you need to know as fall weather continues to settle in across Arizona.

How does cold weather impact tire pressure?

The drop in temperatures, especially during overnight hours, can cause the air inside the tires to condense, meaning that it takes up less space. When this happens, the tire pressure — measured in pounds per square inch — also drops.

As a result, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System signal is likely to light up on the dashboard. It looks like an exclamation point surrounded by parenthesis.

Newer vehicles are often equipped with sensors that alert drivers on the dashboard to the tire pressure on each of the four tires. But a pencil-shaped tool known as a tire pressure gauge can also help measure the tire pressure in each of the tires before hitting the road.

Freeze warning: Forecast overnight for portions of northern Arizona

Am I at risk if I drive with low tire pressure?

While tire pressure issues are common when temperatures begin to drop, continually driving with underinflated tires can create safety risks, not just for drivers but for other motorists on the road.

Kelly Clark Automotive Specialists, a car repair shop in central Phoenix, said drivers should get in the habit of routinely checking tire pressure and not relying exclusively on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Driving with uneven tire pressure can cause the vehicle to pull in one direction, wear down tires or use up more of the fuel, according to the car shop. But driving with under-inflated tires can also cause the car to take longer to slow down or makes it more likely to blow out a tire when driving at high speeds.

Kelly Clark Automotive also said the Arizona heat can also cause the batteries on the tire pressure sensors to die or to break. The Tire Pressure Monitor System will also alert drivers to those issues.

How can I check my tires' air pressure?

All vehicles come with an owner's manual, as well as a sticker on the inside of the driver's side door with information about the proper tire pressure, measured in PSI's.

For the most accurate reading, Discount Tire recommends drivers check air pressure in the morning or when the air is cold. Drivers can inflate the tire by removing the valve cap and using the tire pressure gauge to get to the recommended PSI.

Phoenix expected to see milder temperatures during World Series home games

What time does Discount Tire open?

Several businesses in Arizona, including Discount Tire, also provide free air pressure checks.

There is no appointment needed. Drivers can look for the designated area at any of Discount Tire's 80 locations throughout Arizona during their operating hours and have the air pressure checked and adjusted for free, even if they bought the tires somewhere else.

Most Discount Tire locations in the Phoenix metro area open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. during the week and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Goodyear Auto Service also provides free air pressure checks at any of their five locations in the Phoenix metro area and one in Tucson. They are open from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colder temperatures are likely to blame for your low tire pressure