Why are my tyres losing pressure?
29th August 2024
It is important to have the right tyre pressure as it can affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and general performance and, even more importantly, it can affect your safety on the road. It is something that should not be forgotten about as ultimately, low tyre pressure can cause tyre blowouts which could lead to an accident.
But what causes your tyres to lose pressure? Here at Davanti Tyres, we’re on hand to help explain…
1) Change in temperature
When the weather changes, the pressure in our tyres can change. In the summer the increase in temperature may cause tyre pressure to increase and similarly, in winter any drastic decrease could affect pressure. Tyre pressure can change by 1-2 PSI when there is a change in temperature of 10°C. This is a common problem for many road users and the best way to stay on top of this issue is to regularly check tyre pressure during significant weather changes.
2) Slow punctures
Slow punctures may not seem like a major issue but even a slight escape of air can mean a drop in tyre pressure. Driving a deflated tyre can create stress which may lead to even more damage to the tyre. Unfortunately, slow punctures are not always easy to detect but if detected, it’s best to have the tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible by a professional.
3) General tyre wear and tear
Tyres are naturally prone to losing air over time, however, worn or damaged tyres can lose pressure at an accelerated rate. Signs of tyre wear are usually cracks in the sidewall, visible damage to the rim and worn-out tread.
It is recommended that a tyre should be replaced every 20,000 miles. If there is noticeable damage to any tyres, they may need to be replaced sooner than the recommended timeframe.
4) Bead Damage
Another area of the tyre that can become problematic if damaged is the tyre bead. The tyre bead is the connection between the rim and wheel which maintains an airtight seal. Damage to the tyre bead is caused by driving on an underinflated tyre, as the bead can slip and give air the potential to escape.
Bead damage is noticeable when air bubbles form around the rim and this type of damage should be fixed by a professional to avoid any further damage to the wheel.
5) Defective valve
A faulty or defective valve makes a tyre less airtight. Over time these faults can occur after a tyre has been through a lot of wear and tear, the valve may become cracked or brittle. A deflective valve can cause air to leak out, even if the valve core is working correctly.
Always ensure the valve cap is secured in place and keep a lookout for any damages to the valve that may result in a valve replacement.
Whilst the reason behind your tyres may be losing pressure isn’t always noticeable, with regular tyre inspections and pressure checks, you are able to increase your driving safety, fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.
At Davanti Tyres, we recommend that you are proactive with your tyre checks, ensuring timely repairs and using qualified professionals to prevent any pressure loss. For more information on tyre maintenance or contact your local Davanti dealer.
