![]() You can inflate your tires on your next gas pump visit, but if the problem persists, stop by your local Firestone Complete Auto Care center and let us have a look. If your TPMS sensor frequently lets you know that one or more of your tires are low in pressure, the chances are likely that you have a slow leak. The TPMS monitors tire pressure and notifies you when there's a significant PSI issue. The first thing you'll probably notice is an illuminated Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning signal on your dashboard, if equipped. Each part of a tire is susceptible to slow leaks, making the cause of air loss that much harder to detect. The source of the leak can be challenging to detect, and unlike a big tire puncture, you'll rarely hear hissing noises when they occur. Over time, air leakage can cause a flat or underinflated tire. A slow tire leak occurs when your tire gradually loses more than this typical air loss. Tires naturally lose about 1 psi of air per month and should be monitored regularly. Learn how to tell if your tire is losing air, what can cause the issue, and how to stop slow leaks for good. There are several common causes of slow tire leaks, and it's not always easy to determine which is affecting your tires. However, if the damage to the wheel is significant, unfortunately that means you may need to replace the wheel itself.Not only is having slow leaks in your car tires annoying, but it can also compromise your road safety, fuel economy, and tires' lifespan. ![]() If the leak is caused by a damaged wheel, a tire technician may be able to reseat and seal the tire using a bead sealer. In some cases, however, the tire may need replaced. If the leak is caused by a damaged valve, a trained tire technician can typically replace the valve at a minimal cost. The leak should then be permanently fixed using a proper tire repair consisting of a cured rubber stem and repair unit. In the case of a puncture, you may want to use a tire repair kit to keep your tire properly inflated until you can have it serviced. It’s important to have your tire diagnosed by a professionally trained tire shop or mobile tire repair service as soon as possible. Where the surface of the tire begins to bubble is likely the source of your leak. Simply spray the product all around the tire. Once you’ve identified that you have a leak, use TECH Chek to locate the source of your leak. If your vehicle does not have TPMS, its important to check your tire pressure regularly. If the sensor light on your dashboard goes off, you inflate all the tires back to proper pressure and the light goes back on a few days later – you likely have a leak. If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, you will know right away if you have a leak. Time, use and exposure to elements can cause your valve stems to wear out and cause leaks. Valve stem damage: The third most common cause for slow tire leaks is worn out or damaged valve stems. This type of damage is typically cause by the driver hitting the curb, taking a speed bump at high speeds OR those dreaded potholes! The impact deforms the wheel’s metal surface which may cause the tire to pull away from the mounting surface of the wheel. Wheel damage: Another common cause for slow tire leaks is damage to the area where the tire bead meets the rim. For more on this read our article How to Repair a Tire with a Safe, Permanent Fix. Eventually the object will either wear down and/or work its way out of the tire. As with all tire leaks, it is important not to ignore a puncture. However, in many cases the object that caused the puncture remains lodged in the tire and prevents the air from leaking out quickly. ![]() If you’re experiencing a slow leak, here are some things to look for:Ī tire puncture: It is a common misconception that a puncture will cause the tire to immediately go flat. Not to mention, prolonged running on an underinflated tire can lead to more extensive tire damage or even cause a dangerous blowout. A slow tire leak is more than just a nuisance.
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