Should I drop the tyre pressures in my Honda Civic's winter tyres in cold weather?

I have had winter tyres fitted to my Honda Civic (four years old) and I would like to know if it is a good idea to reduce the pressure during snowy weather? If so what would you recommend? Normal pressures are 35psi front and 30psi rear.

Asked on 15 December 2010 by GS, via email

Answered by Honest John
If the pressure is measured in very cold conditions, yes, reduce them slightly. When tyres get hot their pressures increase. In very cold temperatures they don't get hot. So ambient temperatures self-regulate the pressures between summer and winter. Summer tyres actually feel a lot harder in very cold temperatures because their rubber/carbon black compound hardens. The rubber content of winter compound tyres is much greater and that's why they don't harden to the same extent.
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