What are the causes of slow tire air leakage in cars?
3 Answers
The causes of slow tire air leakage in cars are: 1. Aging of the valve stem; 2. Puncture by foreign objects; 3. Cracks in the wheel hub; 4. Damage to the tire sidewall; 5. Deformation of the wheel hub. The methods to address slow tire air leakage are: 1. Replace the valve stem; 2. Repair or replace the tire; 3. Repair or replace the wheel hub. Methods for maintaining car tires include: 1. Ensure correct tire pressure; 2. Regularly inspect the tire appearance; 3. Keep the tire surface clean; 4. Periodically check tire alignment and balance; 5. Control driving speed. The functions of car tires are: 1. Bear the full weight of the vehicle; 2. Transmit traction and braking torque, enhancing the adhesion between the wheels and the ground; 3. Protect vehicle components from severe vibrations and damage; 4. Adapt to the vehicle's high-speed performance and reduce driving noise.
I've driven several cars and encountered slow tire leaks in all of them. The most common cause is punctures from nails or sharp objects. When a nail punctures the tire, it may not cause immediate deflation but will lead to a slow leak over time. Another situation is aging or damage to the tire valve stem, where deteriorated rubber sealing results in a slow leak. Additionally, deformation or rust on the wheel rim edges can affect the seal—a mechanic helped me solve this by polishing the rim. Weather changes can also cause tire pressure fluctuations, with lower pressure in cold weather and higher pressure in hot weather, so regular checks and adjustments are necessary. If the tire has aging cracks, especially small ones on the sidewalls, it can also lead to slow leaks, so regular maintenance and replacement are recommended.
I find slow tire leaks quite annoying, especially having to check tire pressure before every drive. Last week, my car had this issue, and it turned out to be caused by a deformed wheel rim – even slight unevenness can prevent a tight seal with the tire. Small cracks on tires are also silent killers, particularly on older tires that have been used for five or six years; as the rubber ages and develops fine cracks, air starts leaking. Don’t overlook aging valve stem gaskets either – if that small rubber ring cracks, it loses its sealing function. I’ve also encountered cases where tiny glass shards punctured the tire; the damage wasn’t visible on the surface, but the small wound caused continuous air loss. I recommend regular tire maintenance and timely replacement of aging components.
