What to Do When a Car Tire Is Losing Air?
3 Answers
Reasons and solutions for car tire air leakage: 1. The tire may have pinholes: Inflate the tire to the proper pressure, use a soft brush and soapy water to locate the pinholes, then decide whether to replace or repair the tire based on the situation. 2. Foreign objects puncturing the tire: This is the most common scenario. The objects most likely to puncture a tire are usually glass, wire, screws, sharp stones, tiles, nails, and screws, which are the most prone to causing air leaks. If not removed promptly, they can significantly worsen the damage to the tire. 3. Damage to the tire sidewall and inner lining: Besides the tire tread being vulnerable to foreign objects, the sidewalls and inner edges are also weak spots. Some drivers may not have a strong sense of direction and often make operational errors, causing the car tires to hit curbs. Over time, this can lead to damage.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered flat tires several times. When I was young and inexperienced, I foolishly kept driving on a flat tire, which ended up damaging the rims and costing me more money. Now, with more experience, my first reaction is to safely pull over, avoiding highways or curves, and turn on the hazard lights to prevent rear-end collisions. After getting out of the car, I carefully check which tire is leaking—if it's punctured by a nail, it's usually visible to the naked eye. A slow leak is easier to handle; just find a flat surface to change the spare tire, ensuring the jack is properly aligned with the car frame to avoid tilting, which could cause the car to tip over. After replacing the spare tire, avoid speeding—keep it under 80 km/h—and head to a repair shop as soon as possible. Make it a habit to check tire pressure with a gauge every two weeks, especially before long trips, to avoid panic on the road. Remember, safety comes first. The lesson from an experienced driver is: don’t take risks to save time—if the tire blows out, it’s even more trouble.
I prefer fast-paced driving, and the new car's tire pressure monitoring system is quite handy. If the warning light comes on, immediately slow down and pull over. Find a spacious and safe spot, quickly get out to check if it's a nail or a slow leak. If there's a nail, don't force driving; I used the spare tire in the trunk last time, and modern car designs are simple—it took me ten minutes to change. Don't misplace the tools; just make sure the jack is steady. After fixing it, drive away first and use a mobile app to call for repair services, which is more efficient. Identify the leak source clearly: a leak in the tire wall usually means a new tire is needed, while tread leaks can be patched. When driving, avoid gravel roads, regularly wash the car and check tire treads to prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
