Why Do Tires Slowly Deflate?

Whether you’re driving a big rig through Kentucky or a hybrid in Hartford, you need your tires to operate efficiently. Tires that are under-inflated not only impact fuel efficiency; they reduce steering power and maneuverability. As a vehicle owner, you probably monitor the tire pressure on your vehicle dashboard and make sure you have a good set of tires all the time. So why is it that the tire pressure light comes on? What “mysterious” force causes tires to deflate slowly?

Temperature Change

The most common reason for a slowly deflating tire is temperature change. Big rig drivers experience this frequently as they drive cross country and in varying weather conditions. With temperature changes, the air inside the tires reacts. With every 10-degree drop in temperature, about 2% of a tire’s air may escape.

Damaged Valve Stem

When valves are over-tightened, they can get damaged. They might also get damaged by cracks due to age. It’s quite common for the valve to be the source of a slow tire leak.

Puncture

You could have a puncture in one of your tires in Hartford, KY, and not even know it. If you roll over a nail or another shaped object and it stays in the tire, the tiny gap around the puncture will often slowly leak air.

Bead Damage

Simply driving against a curve with older tires might cause enough bead damage to result in a slow leak. If you see the telltale white curb paint on your sidewalls, it’s possible this might be what’s causing your tires to deflate slowly.

A careful visual inspection of your tires in Hartford, KY, will often reveal the source of a slow leak. In many cases, slow leaks can be repaired without having to replace the tire. Contact us today for more great tire advice.