What Causes Low Tire Pressure in Cars?
2 Answers
There are many reasons for low tire pressure in cars, including tire damage or slow air leakage. When the tire pressure is too low, it can affect the vehicle's handling and increase fuel consumption, so it is important to promptly replenish the tire pressure to ensure driving safety. If a car tire is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent potential safety hazards. There are various methods for repairing tires, such as hot patching, mushroom plugging, and rubber patching. If the tire is severely worn, it can be directly replaced with a new one. After installing new tires, it is essential to perform a four-wheel alignment to prevent the vehicle from pulling to one side.
I drive to and from work every day and have experienced low tire pressure many times. The most common reason is that the tire has been punctured by a nail or small stone, causing a slow leak. Weather changes also have a big impact—tire pressure naturally contracts and drops when it's cold in winter. Loose or aged valve stems can also leak air, especially in older cars. Old tires with aging rubber are prone to tiny pores, leading to faster slow leaks. I think low tire pressure is quite harmful: the car feels unstable when driving, and the steering wheel shakes noticeably; fuel consumption increases significantly, costing more money; and the risk of a tire blowout is high at high speeds, which is very dangerous. I recommend checking the tire pressure yourself once a month—a simple tire pressure gauge will do—and inflating to the recommended value on the door label. If there's a leak, get it patched or replaced early for peace of mind and better safety.
