Tyre pressure in winter and summer: how much air?
In short: Find the appropriate pressure using the tyre sidewall markings and manufacturer guidance. Respect the permitted limits for both tyre and rim. Check with a pressure gauge, especially after temperature changes. There is no single correct pressure for every bicycle.
Find the right pressure
The tyre sidewall gives information about permitted air pressure, often as a minimum and maximum. Stay within these limits. If the markings are unclear or only a maximum is listed, check the manufacturer's information for your tyre. The rim must also be approved for the pressure and tyre combination you use. Follow whichever limit is stricter. Within the permitted range, the appropriate pressure depends on factors including tyre width, total weight, riding surface and whether you use an inner tube or a tubeless setup. The maximum is not automatically the recommended riding pressure.
Why cold changes tyre pressure
When the air inside the tyre cools, its pressure drops slightly. If you take your bike from a warm room outside, the reading may therefore be lower later. Pressure rises again as the air warms. Normal, gradual air loss over time also plays a part. Check more often during temperature changes in winter and, where possible, measure at a temperature similar to your riding conditions. Check in summer too, especially if your bike has been standing for some time.
Can lower pressure improve grip?
Depending on the tyre, surface and load, slightly lower pressure within the permitted range may help the tyre conform to uneven ground. This is not a general recommendation to let air out in winter. Tread, rubber compound and an appropriate riding style also matter on slippery surfaces. Never go below a minimum marked on the tyre sidewall and follow manufacturer guidance. Lower pressure does not replace suitable tyres or guarantee grip on ice.
Too little or too much air
With too little pressure, the tyre deforms more. On paved surfaces, this can make pedalling harder. When you ride over an edge, the tube and tyre may be pinched between the obstacle and rim, increasing the risk of pinch flats and damage. Too much pressure reduces comfort and can impair contact with uneven ground, reducing grip. Never exceed the permitted maximum pressure for either tyre or rim.
Check with a pressure gauge
Use a pump with a pressure gauge or a suitable separate pressure gauge. Squeezing the tyre with your thumb cannot reliably tell you its air pressure. Fit the pump head to the valve, read the gauge and adjust pressure within the permitted limits. Check regularly and after significant temperature changes. If the tyre needs air unusually often, look for the cause rather than repeatedly pumping it up.
If your tyre loses air
Rapid or recurring air loss may indicate a leak. Do not keep riding on a noticeably soft tyre. Our guide to a flat tyre in Berlin helps you decide what to do next. Our tyre service offers inner tube replacement, tyre fitting and puncture assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the correct tyre pressure?
Check the tyre sidewall markings and manufacturer guidance for both tyre and rim. Respect any stated minimum and maximum. Within this range, the appropriate pressure depends on factors including tyre width, total weight and riding surface. There is no fixed value for every tyre.
Why does tyre pressure drop in cold weather?
As the air inside the tyre cools, its pressure drops slightly. It rises again when the air warms. Check with a gauge after temperature changes. Normal air loss over time may also contribute.
Can I use lower tyre pressure in winter?
Slightly lower pressure may help depending on the tyre and surface, but only within the permitted limits. Never go below a minimum marked on the sidewall. Lower pressure does not guarantee grip on ice.
How can I check tyre pressure reliably?
Use a pump with a pressure gauge or a suitable pressure gauge. Check regularly and after significant temperature changes, where possible at a temperature similar to your riding conditions. Squeezing the tyre with your thumb is not enough.
About the authors
This guide was written by the BikeShop-Friesen-Team.
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For inner tube replacement, tyre fitting and puncture assistance, contact our tyre service at Friesenstraße 24 in Berlin-Kreuzberg.