AN expert mechanic has revealed the essential item that “smart” drivers keep in their boot to avoid being stranded in winter.
Scotty Kilmer shared the handy tyre tip on his YouTube channel – it’s an absolute must during the colder months.
YouTubeScotty Kilmer revealed how ‘pure physics’ can hurt your tyre pressure in winter[/caption]
YouTubeHe urged drivers to keep an air compressor in the boot to top up on the go[/caption]
In the clip, Scotty, who has over 50 years of fixing motors under his belt, explained how “pure physics” can result in a silent danger when the temperature drops.
He explained: “When it gets cold you might notice your tyre pressure warning light comes on.
“That’s often down to pure physics.
“When it gets colder outside, the pressure in your tyres gets lower because cold air is more dense.
“If you’re smart like me you’ll have an air compressor in your boot, so you won’t be stranded without a way to put air in the tyres.”
The £12 gadget allows drivers to top up their tyre pressure on the go, rather than having to make it to a petrol station or garage to do it for them.
Not only will it save you a trip to the forecourt, but it could also help avoid costly damage.
Driving with low tyre pressure can lead to excessive wear on both the tyre itself and the wheel.
Replacing the rubber can start from around £50 per tyre, while alloy wheels are upwards of £115 each to replace at the bottom end.
Those who own luxury models, sports cars or EVs could see those costs even higher due to the specialised kit required.
However, Scotty added that you should always check all four tyres when the mercury plunges just in case one is giving an abnormal result.
If all your tyres are low on air then it’s likely just because of the cold, but if one is significantly lower than the others, it could be a sign of a different issue.
Punctures, tears and excessive wear can all lead to a loss of tyre pressure and may mean you only have to have one replaced.
Pressure gauges to check these can be picked up online for as little as a fiver.
It comes after an abandoned garage full of “mint” supercars was discovered after their owner “left the country”.