Why Do My Tires Keep Losing Air?
If your tires keep losing air, there is usually a reason. A small puncture, leaking valve stem, wheel problem, or change in weather can all cause tire pressure to drop.
Adding air may turn off the tire pressure light for a while, but it does not fix a leak. If the same tire keeps getting low, it is time to find out where the air is going.
What Causes a Tire to Keep Losing Air?
Some tire leaks happen quickly, while others may take days or weeks to notice. A slow tire leak can be easy to miss until the tire pressure light comes back on.
Common causes include:
- A nail or screw in the tire
- A leaking valve stem
- A poor seal between the tire and wheel
- A bent or damaged wheel
- Cracks or damage to the tire
- Changes in outside temperature
Checking the tire can help tell if you have a leak or a normal change in pressure.
Can a Nail Cause a Slow Tire Leak?
Yes. A nail or screw can make a small hole that allows air to escape over time. In some cases, the object stays in the tire and slows the leak.
The tire may look fine when you leave home but lose several pounds of air over the next few days. If you keep adding air to the same tire, a small puncture may be the cause.
Can a Valve Stem Leak Air?
Yes. The valve stem is where you add air to the tire. A damaged valve stem or valve core can allow air to leak even when the tire itself is in good shape.
Valve stem leaks can be small and hard to see. Testing the tire for leaks can help find the problem.
Can the Wheel Cause a Tire Leak?
Yes. The tire must seal tightly against the wheel to hold air. Rust, dirt, or damage where the tire meets the wheel can cause a slow leak.
A bent or cracked wheel can also lose air. This may happen after hitting a pothole, curb, or other hard object.
Does Weather Change Tire Pressure?
Yes. Tire pressure drops as the outside air gets colder. This is why the tire pressure light may come on when temperatures fall.
A weather change can lower the pressure in all four tires. If only one tire keeps getting low, there is a better chance that tire has a leak.
Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire That Keeps Losing Air?
Driving with low tire pressure can make the vehicle harder to control. It can also create extra heat in the tire and cause it to wear out faster.
If a tire is very low, do not keep driving on it. Driving on a flat or nearly flat tire can damage a tire that may have been easy to repair.
Can Finding a Tire Leak Early Save Money?
Yes. Some small punctures can be repaired if they are found in the right area of the tire and caught early. Driving while the tire is low can damage the inside of it. What started as a small repair may then require a new tire.
Schedule a Tire Inspection in The Colony, TX
If your tire keeps losing air, your tire pressure light keeps coming back on, or you have to add air every few days, let us find the cause. At David's Automotive Repair, we can check for tire leaks, valve stem problems, wheel damage, and other causes of low tire pressure.
Call
David's Automotive Repair at
972-625-1836 or schedule your reservation online today. We provide
tire inspections, tire repair, TPMS service, and auto repair in The Colony, TX to help keep you safe on the road.
