As temperatures drop, drivers in the Capital Region are facing challenges with both tire pressure and air pumps. Cold weather can cause tire pressure alerts to light up as the air inside tires condenses, losing one or two PSI with every 10-degree temperature drop. But it’s not just car tires that are affected; air pumps at gas stations are also struggling. Stewart’s Shops, which provides the most free air pumps in the region, has acknowledged that many of its older machines malfunction in the cold.
“It’s certainly not a perfect science,” said Robin Cooper, a spokesperson for Stewart’s. “Some machines get locked up in cold weather, and we try to manage it the best we can.” While air pumps are required by law, store owners have the option to charge for the service. Stewart’s offers it for free, viewing it as a customer service.
The issue lies in the science of cold temperatures: as it gets colder, air molecules in tires slow down and condense, causing a loss of pressure. According to Michael Main, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Albany, this can lead to a loss of one or two PSI for every 10-degree drop.
Many drivers are finding air pumps at gas stations out of service, with paid stations particularly affected. Stewart’s Shops, which has a mix of newer and older pumps, is working to address these issues. Newer pumps are equipped with heaters to prevent freezing, but older ones often break down during extreme cold. Employees are busy managing other aspects of the store, which can delay repairs.
An Arctic cold front is moving in, bringing temperatures as low as the mid-20s over the weekend and colder nights. Drivers are advised to check their tire pressure and, if needed, use a bike tire pump at home as an alternative.
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