What to Do When a Car Tire Is Slightly Leaking Air?
2 Answers
The solutions for a slightly leaking car tire are: 1. If there is a sharp object like a nail stuck in the tire, do not remove it; simply replace it with the spare tire; 2. Park the car on a flat surface and compare the tire pressure between the left and right front and rear tires; 3. Carefully inspect the surroundings and tread of the tire; 4. If there is no spare tire or you cannot change the tire, control your speed and drive slowly to a gas station or repair shop for assistance. The functions of a tire are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to operate the car; 2. To support the vehicle load; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage car components.
Having driven for decades, I've frequently encountered tire leaks. The first step is to pull over to a safe location, such as the roadside or a service area—never continue driving to avoid a blowout. Next, identify the cause: feel around with your hand to locate any soft spots, spray some soapy water to observe bubbling points, and it's likely a nail puncture. For temporary fixes, if you have a spare tire, change it—the manual makes it straightforward; without a spare, use a portable inflator to pump enough air and drive to a repair shop without delay. During repairs, ask the mechanic to check the valve core and wheel rim seal to prevent future leaks. I recommend checking tire pressure monthly, maintaining the manufacturer's recommended value to avoid many issues. Delaying leak repairs increases costs and may damage the tire structure.