How to Detect Air Leakage in Car Tires?
2 Answers
Methods to detect air leakage in car tires include: 1. Remove the valve cap and spray soapy water directly onto the valve to observe if bubbles form; 2. Sprinkle water on the surface of the tire—hissing sounds or bubbling indicate the location of the leak; 3. Park the car on a flat surface and compare the tire pressure between the front and rear wheels to ensure they are equal. Tires must have good cushioning performance to absorb and dampen vehicle vibrations along with the suspension. Poor cushioning performance can affect ride comfort and the lifespan of other vehicle components. If you notice a decrease in tire pressure, use a tire inflator to add air before driving to a nearby repair shop for further inspection.
As a long-distance driver, my biggest fear is encountering a flat tire on the road. Before every trip, I walk around the car to check if any of the four tires look noticeably deflated. While driving, if I feel the steering wheel unusually heavy or the car leaning to one side, it's a signal for me to pull over and inspect. I now keep a tire pressure gauge and an air pump in my car, and if I find any tire's pressure is more than 30% below the standard value, I become extra cautious. I once experienced a slow leak where the tire pressure dropped a bit every week, which later turned out to be due to a worn-out valve stem. During long trips, I've developed a habit of taking a break every two hours to check the tire temperature by touch, as abnormally hot tires often indicate problems.
