What Causes a Car Tire to Lose Air?
3 Answers
Reasons and solutions for car tire air leakage: 1. The tire may have pinholes: Inflate the tire to the proper pressure, then use a soft brush and soapy water to locate the pinholes. Decide whether to replace or repair the tire based on the situation. 2. Foreign objects puncturing the tire: This is the most common scenario. Objects that most easily puncture tires include glass, wire, screws, sharp stones, tiles, nails, and screws. Nails and screws are particularly prone to causing air leaks. If not removed promptly, they can worsen the damage to the tire. 3. Damage to the tire sidewall or inner lining: Besides the tread being vulnerable to foreign objects, the sidewalls and inner edges of tires are also weak points. Some drivers with poor spatial awareness may frequently misoperate, causing the tires to hit curbs repeatedly, leading to damage over time.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered tire leaks a few times. The most common cause is running over small nails or debris on the road, which slowly punctures the tire and leads to a slow leak. Additionally, if the rubber on the valve stem ages or gets damaged, it can also cause unnoticed air leakage. Small cracks on the tire sidewall or unsealed edges are another reason, especially with older tires. Sometimes, rust or dirt on the wheel rim can prevent a tight seal between the tire and rim, leading to air leakage. I recommend regularly spraying soapy water on the tires to check for bubbles. If you find a leak, get it patched or replace the tire as soon as possible. Otherwise, driving at high speeds can be unsafe—I almost had an accident once, and it still gives me chills to think about it.
Oh no, I just found my new car's tire a bit flat after less than a year of use, which is quite annoying. I checked and it might be due to small stones stuck in it or a nail puncture - these are the most common causes. Loose or aged valve caps can also cause slow leaks, especially those made of soft rubber. Minor damages to the tire itself or improper installation at the edges might lead to air leakage on bumpy roads. Don't ignore this issue as it can increase fuel consumption and make driving more strenuous. I always keep a tire pressure gauge handy and check monthly - I recommend everyone develop this habit too.
