Why does tire pressure decrease when a car is left unused for a long time?

[Thompson]

It is normal for tire pressure to decrease when a car is left unused for a long time. All tires require periodic inflation, especially those filled with air, as tire pressure fluctuates significantly with temperature changes. As long as the pressure doesn't drop rapidly within a short period, it is considered normal. Hazards of low tire pressure: Increased friction coefficient with the road surface, leading to higher fuel consumption; Causes heavy steering and potential alignment issues, compromising driving safety; Increases movement in various parts of the tire, leading to excessive rolling and abnormal heat generation; Reduces the functionality of the cord and rubber, potentially causing delamination or cord breakage, as well as excessive friction with the rim, resulting in damage to the tire bead and abnormal wear; Multiplies friction between the tire and the ground, causing a sharp rise in tire temperature, softening the tire, and drastically reducing its strength. This can lead to blowouts during high-speed driving; Increases tire deformation, making the tire sidewalls prone to cracking and inducing flexing movements, which generate excessive heat, accelerate rubber aging, fatigue the cord layers, and break the cords. It also enlarges the tire's contact area with the ground, speeding up shoulder wear.

[DiBryce]

As an automotive enthusiast, I've researched the reasons for tire pressure dropping after prolonged parking. The main cause is the slow permeation and leakage of air molecules through the microporous structure of tire rubber material, similar to a balloon slowly deflating. Additionally, temperature fluctuations can exacerbate gas expansion or contraction, leading to fluctuating pressure drops. Long-term vehicle inactivity can accelerate wear on the valve core seal, increasing air leakage, especially in older car models. Regular tire pressure checks are crucial—for example, inflating to the manufacturer's recommended value before parking and measuring monthly to prevent deformation, which also saves fuel and extends tire life. I keep a tire pressure gauge in my garage for convenient monitoring to avoid unnecessary troubles.

[StEsther]

Having driven for twenty years, I've noticed that it's common for tire pressure to drop over time as air slowly leaks through gaps, especially with significant temperature differences causing unstable tire pressure. Last time I was away on a business trip for three months without moving the car, the tire pressure warning light came on upon my return, and I found the valve core slightly loose. Older tires with aging rubber are more prone to air permeation, and even new cars don't guarantee complete airtightness. I recommend car owners check the standard tire pressure before long-term parking and use a portable gauge to take a quick look every two weeks during storage—it's simple and reassuring. Regularly monitoring tire pressure can reduce the risk of blowouts and prevent increased fuel consumption.

[MichaelFitz]

The decrease in tire pressure when a car is parked unused for a long time is essentially a physical phenomenon, where gas naturally diffuses and escapes through the tire material; temperature changes cause volume contraction, further reducing pressure. Regular checks can effectively prevent such issues, avoiding safety hazards while driving. Maintaining correct tire pressure helps ensure even tire wear.

[StellaFitz]

As a family user, I'm concerned about low tire pressure caused by long-term parking, which may seem minor but poses significant risks: insufficient tire pressure affects handling and braking safety, easily leading to accidents; moreover, it accelerates wear and wastes money. The reason is the natural slow leakage of air, compounded by temperature changes that exacerbate the issue. I always remind my family to record the tire pressure before parking and double-check it before driving. Spending a little time each month to check can ensure safe travels.