Why Do Tires Lose Air?
1 Answers
Tires can lose air for several common reasons: 1. Tires naturally lose air. This is mainly because a perfect seal between the tire and the wheel rim is impossible. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as the impact of bumps during use, air can very slowly escape through the tiny gaps between the tire and the rim. 2. Prolonged parking. While in motion, a car's tires are subjected to multi-directional forces, but when parked, they bear force on only one side, constantly pressing against the ground in the same spot. This uneven pressure distribution can lead to air loss. Additionally, if a car is left unused for a long time, the tire and rim may bond slightly, causing slow air leakage. 3. External damage to the tire. Punctures from foreign objects are the most common type of tire damage. Items like nails, wire, and glass can easily penetrate tires. Among these, nails and wire are particularly prone to causing slow leaks, and if not removed promptly, they can worsen the tire's condition. Scraping against curbs can also damage the tire's sidewall or inner edge, leading to hidden leaks. 4. Poor repairs. Improper patching during tire replacement can result in air leakage. 5. Faulty tire valve stems. The valve stem may not have been reset properly after checking tire pressure, or it may have aged. Since valve stems are typically made of rubber, prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and internal tire pressure can cause them to harden, crack, and eventually leak air.
