There are various reasons why a tire will lose air, and the process is inevitable and doesn’t discriminate against any vehicle, no matter the size or type of car you drive. The air in your tires will eventually dwindle, either all at once or gradually, forcing you to get a tire change in order for your vehicle to operate properly. This procedure can be costly, and a damaged tire can be quite hazardous, particularly if it unexpectedly flattens while driving along a busy road. Loss of air in a tire can even happen when you are not driving, as the pressure in the tire may drop over time, especially during the night. While this is usually indicative of a tire that has been punctured, many other causes can cause a tire can begin to lose air gradually.
Read on to learn more about why a tire loses air and the main culprits that perpetuate significant air loss that can potentially damage your vehicle.
Containainments and damage
The most common reason for tire air loss is exposure to contaminants. It can also be caused by faulty mounting. In some cases, the valve stem is the culprit. If the stem is damaged, you may be able to detect it by using a water and dish soap solution. If the water reaches the base of the
valve, you will find bubbles. In some cases, the problem can be a result of a failure in the wheel’s valve. Another cause of tire air loss is a bent or damaged wheel. A bent wheel can bend the wheel and cause the bead area to become unnecessarily exposed. This will cause the tire to lose air very quickly and will probably become flat within a week or two.
In some cases, the wheel is bending due to age or road damage. Often, the rim can also be a contributing factor to the loss of air. Its damage may cause the bead to be cut or make the surface uneven. If a bead is cracked, it can cause the tire to lose air. The bead will allow the excess to escape from the tire when this happens. It is crucial to ensure that the bead is fully connected to the bead to reduce your chances of air loss in the tires.
Valve stem problems
Air escaping from tires impacts all drivers, and it is an inescapable problem. Reasons for loss of air can include a nail in the road that can damage a tire or a deteriorating seal. Another common cause is a loose valve stem or a missing valve stem cap. Because the valve is the channel that allows car owners to fill the tires with air, damage to this portion of the tire will enable air to escape easily. Harsh road conditions and exposure to natural chemicals are usually the main causes of valve damage. Tightening the valve stem cores too tightly after putting air in your tires can also cause significant damage to your valve stem and, eventually, your tires.
It is usually a rule of thumb that when you schedule a tire change, you should also inspect the state of your valve stem to see if they need to be replaced as well.
Temperature
When the weather becomes colder, it is common for tires to lose pressure as the air within the tire begins to shrink. Further, it is also proven that a temperature rise can also cause a loss of air pressure in your tires. Climate changes can particularly affect your car tires if your car is left exposed to the natural elements overnight. When this happens, and the temperature shifts even slightly, you can expect a minimal loss of air pressure. It is advisable to continuously check the air pressure as often as you can and get a tire change done when necessary, especially in the winter months when your tires are susceptible to air pressure changes.
Conclusion
There are various reasons as to why the air pressure in a tire will abate, whether it happens gradually or not will depend on the damage to the tire and the temperature outside. Take efforts to tend to your tires if you believe that have lost air and restore some pressure, so you can avoid a flat tire in the near future.