What are the reasons for low car tire pressure?
4 Answers
Car tire damage or slow air leakage from car tires. The following are the effects and reasons for low car tire pressure: Effects of low car tire pressure: Low car tire pressure will increase tire body deformation, easily causing cracks on the tire side, while generating flexing motion, leading to excessive heat, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord ply, and cord breakage. It will also increase the tire's contact area with the ground, accelerating shoulder wear. Reasons for low car tire pressure: Car tire damage. When a car tire is damaged, it will inevitably cause air leakage issues. Over time, the tire pressure will become low. When a car tire is damaged, immediate repair or replacement must be carried out to avoid potential safety hazards.
I've found that there are two most common reasons for low tire pressure in cars: one is when the tire gets punctured by a nail or sharp object. I've experienced this before—suddenly feeling the steering wheel unstable while driving, only to find out it was a nail causing a slow leak. The other reason is tire aging or poor sealing of the valve stem, which naturally leads to air loss over time. Additionally, weather changes can cause tire pressure to drop, especially in cold conditions. That's why I always remind myself to check the tire pressure monthly with a pressure gauge and top it up or visit a repair shop if it's too low, to avoid increased fuel consumption or the risk of a blowout. Regular tire maintenance also extends their lifespan, after all, safety comes first.
From my years of driving experience, low tire pressure is often caused by multiple factors. For example, low temperatures can cause gas contraction, naturally reducing tire pressure; or small cracks in the tire or loose valve stems, where slow air leakage is common; sometimes, wheel rim damage or aging seals can also cause air loss. I recommend paying attention to the tire pressure monitoring system alerts and addressing issues promptly, otherwise uneven tire wear can occur, affecting handling and even increasing the likelihood of accidents. It's especially important to check more frequently during seasonal changes to ensure the pressure is within the recommended range, which ensures peace of mind while driving.
I always take a quick glance at my tires before driving. Low tire pressure is often caused by punctures from foreign objects, like nails, or natural wear and tear where the rubber ages and loses its seal. In such cases, I usually use a pump to add air before heading to a repair shop. For prevention, regularly cleaning the tire surface and avoiding potholes can help reduce such issues. Remember to address it promptly, or it may accelerate tire damage.