What are the reasons for tire pressure loss?
3 Answers
The reason for tire pressure loss is that one or more of the vehicle's four tires are in a state of underinflation. It is necessary to use a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure of all four tires and check whether the pressure values are within the specified range. If not, they should be replenished to the specified range. The standard tire pressure value can usually be found near the fuel tank cap or on the vehicle's B-pillar. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; causing heavy steering and easy deviation, which are factors detrimental to driving safety; increasing the movement of various parts of the tire, leading to abnormal heating due to excessive rolling; reducing the functionality of the cords and rubber, causing delamination or cord breakage, and excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the tire bead area and abnormal wear. Insufficient tire pressure: If no damage is visible, simply inflate to the normal tire pressure and reset the tire pressure system; if a puncture is found during inspection, promptly drive to a tire shop for repair and then reinflate; if the tire pressure warning appears again after inflation but there is no puncture, it may be due to air leakage caused by a deformed wheel rim, in which case it is recommended to inspect and replace the wheel rim.
The causes of tire pressure loss are indeed varied. The most common is slow air leakage caused by nails or sharp objects puncturing the tire, where you may not hear obvious hissing but the pressure gradually drops. Valve issues are also critical; loose or aged valve cores can lead to poor sealing, allowing air to escape unnoticed. If the wheel rim edges are rusted or deformed, they won't fit tightly with the tire, creating gaps for air leakage. Weather changes shouldn't be overlooked—pressure naturally decreases in cold temperatures and increases in summer, making pressure fluctuations quite noticeable. Aging tires with fine cracks are more prone to leaks, especially after high-mileage use. Ignoring these issues can trigger a chain reaction: unstable vehicle handling, increased fuel consumption, premature tire wear, and even the risk of a blowout. I recommend checking tire pressure monthly with a high-accuracy gauge and promptly repairing or replacing tires when issues are found to maintain driving safety and economy.
Reduced tire pressure poses a significant safety hazard for driving. Let me explain the reasons from a safety perspective. When tires are punctured by sharp objects, small holes may form causing air leakage - common culprits include road debris like broken glass or metal shards. Valve stem issues are also frequent; missing valve caps or aged sealing rings can lead to gradual pressure loss. Corrosion or improper installation at the wheel-rim interface may compromise the seal, resulting in air leaks. Temperature fluctuations play a crucial role too: winter cold causes noticeable pressure drops while summer heat increases it. As tires wear, brittle and cracked rubber becomes prone to leaks. These factors collectively impair vehicle control by increasing skid risks, extending braking distances, and causing instability during turns. Early detection prevents accidents - I recommend using TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) for regular checks rather than waiting for warning lights. Simple visual tire inspections before daily drives can also prevent minor issues from escalating.
