Maintaining air pressure in your tires is vital for your on-road safety. If a tire is losing air, you are putting yourself at risk. You might be asking – why do my tires keep losing air?
In this guide, we look at the symptoms and solutions when the tire is slowly losing air, as well as what to do if the tire is losing air fast.
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5 Signs That Your Tires Are Losing Air
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Light Turns On
The modern tire pressure monitoring system alerts you when tire pressures drop too low and cause an unsafe driving condition. If you see the light come on the dashboard, you want to have the tire pressure checked immediately before a blow-out occurs.
Below-Average Fuel Economy
EPA estimated fuel economy numbers are given to you, showing you what the vehicle should run at. If you are noticing a drop in efficiency, it could be due to low air pressure. However, fuel economy issues are also caused by engine issues that affect efficiency.
Flapping Noise
If there is a flapping or whomping sound while you are driving, it could indicate that you have an underinflated tire. If the tire is severely under pressure, it can slap the pavement each time it rotates. This situation is dire and needs to be dealt with immediately. Pull over to the side of the road and don’t drive any further on this tire.
Steering Problems
The tires on your vehicle have a lot to do with how the car handles. If you are noticing swaying or start having trouble steering, the underinflated tire could be to blame. Because you don’t want to lose control of the vehicle, it’s imperative that you check the tire pressures immediately.
Increased Stopping Distance
When the tires are running at the right pressures, it should take a normal amount of time to stop. However, as the tires get lower, they aren’t able to grip the pavement as they should. This problem leads to more trouble stopping, putting you at further risk on the road.
Why Do My Tires Keep Losing Air? (8 Common Reasons & Solutions)
Temperature Change
Why are my tires losing air pressure? If the pressure drop is happening across all of the tires and during colder temperatures, it’s due to the weather. If the tire is losing air overnight, it’s probably not because of a defect. Instead, take a look at the temperature.
For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the air pressure will drop about 2%. The same is true with hot temperatures. You can expect the air pressure to rise 2% with every 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Valve Stem Failure
Why does my tire keep losing air? The problem could be due to a defective valve stem. Over time, this vital component can deteriorate and allow air to leak. How much does it cost to replace a tire valve stem? Thankfully, your valve stem is easy to replace and only costs about $10.
See Also - How Long Does It Take To Change A Tire?
Tire Bead Damage
Why do I keep losing air in my tires? The bead is a sealing surface that sits between the metal rim and the rubber tire. If any debris gets in between, it can cause damage to the bead, allowing it to lose pressure. As the tire gets older, this tire bead seal can also weaken and break.
Wheel Bead Corrosion
Why do my tires keep losing air pressure? The bead can also end up being destroyed because of corrosion to the metal rim. Either water seepage or the work of an inexperienced technician can lead to corrosion and rust capable of causing a small leak. You would need to fix this by scrubbing the wheel with a steel brush.
Bad TPMS Kit
Why do my new tires keep losing air? If the TPMS kit was installed incorrectly or there is a defect with it, you could have a brand new tire losing air pressure. It doesn't cost much to replace the TPMS, most tire shops will handle it, and your problems should be quickly resolved.
No Valve Caps
Why does my brand new tire keep losing air? If there are no valve caps on the tire, the air can escape easily. If the tire is losing air and no leak is found in the rubber area itself, look at the valve cap. It only costs a few dollars to get new valve caps, and you can install them yourself.
Potholes or Curbs
Why is my tire slowly losing air? If the tire is losing air after hitting a curb, you might have created damage during the impact. Hitting potholes or curbs can allow the sidewalls of the tire to flex, thereby creating damage. At times, this damage can be repaired, and the tire can be re-inflated, while other times, it requires a complete replacement.
Tire Sidewall Puncture
Why do my new tires keep losing air? If you have run something over on the road and it infiltrated the sidewall, you could notice less air pressure. While a nail in the tire tread can often be repaired, it’s not safe to repair damage to the sidewall. Instead, you will need to replace the tire.
How To Prevent Tires From Losing Air In The Future (Tips & Tricks)
You don’t want to deal with a tire that’s constantly losing air. Instead, you should take steps to maintain the tires and ensure they remain in good condition.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can a tire go flat for no reason?
Why do my car tires keep losing air while it’s not being driven? If the temperature has recently dropped, it’s possible that the tire pressures went down as a result of the change. A lost valve cap can also lead to air loss.
How do I find a leak in my tire?
If the tires keep losing air pressure, you might be able to find it simply by listening. Otherwise, spray a soap and water mixture on the tire and look for bubbles to form because of the escaping air.
Can you drive on a tire with a slow leak?
It's never advised to drive on a tire that's leaking. At any point, the tire could become flat, and you could be in danger while driving. Instead, have the tire repaired or replaced immediately.
How do you fix a slow leak in a tire?
You either need to repair the tire or replace it. However, if the issue is the TPMS sensor or the valve stem, those parts would need to be replaced instead.
Conclusion
Why is my tire losing air? It’s frustrating when my tire keeps losing air, but it probably isn’t a difficult fix to get back on the road. Our guide should have led you in the right direction, ensuring you stay safe on future drives.