Why Are My Car Tires Leaking Air?

Why are my car tires leaking air?  Attention: If you are reading this, it means your tires are leaking and losing air. Do not worry though—we can help!

Does it seem like you need to fill your tires with air regularly? This is not normal. A good tire, sealed to the wheel will hold air for some time without needing air.

Tire maintenance and service should be done for tire preservation.

Tires are what connect your car to the road, which is what makes them one of the most important parts of your car.

You may be wondering why your tires are leaking air in the first place. It could be that they have a puncture or there is damage to the tire itself. Whatever the case, we know how frustrating this can be for drivers. We want to make sure you get back on the road as soon as possible. We offer free inspections so come by our shop in Lakewood, Colorado today!

Common Causes of Tire Damage

Many tire pressure problems are the result of tire damage.

  • Tire punctures can create tire leaks. Do not forget to check your tires for nails or other tire penetrators that may have caused a hole in your tire. 
  • Physical tire damage is also possible resulting in air leakage due to tire puncture. Air will leak out of cracks.
  • A poor Bead Seal, the seal between the tire and your wheel, can leak. This is frustrating as it is not easy to spot. One day your tire is fine, then the next it’s flat. Thoroughly cleaning the wheel rim and reseating the tire corrects the issue. Though there are times when a wheel becomes too corroded to seal in the air. This is unusual but can happen.
  • Environmental factors also play a role in tire pressure. In Colorado when the temperatures drop your Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor might illuminate. Noting your car’s tires are below the recommended factory settings. This results in a TPMS light illuminating on the dashboard. Do not ignore this important light. In most cases, the pressure is just off by a couple of PSI. Check the pressure and add a little air when the seasons change. Avoid the annoying TPMS light popping on after a chilly night in Lakewood.
  • The tire tread depth on tires wears down over time because of driving. Environmental factors (such as weather) and neglect through improper tire care.

How Tire Tread Depth Is Determined

Tread depth is measured by inserting a tire tread depth gauge into the grooves on your tire to determine what percentage of tire tread remains. If the tire has 1/16 inch or below, it needs immediate replacement because driving will be hazardous. 

Proper tire pressure should always be kept in mind. As tire pressure directly affects tire tread depth.  Cooper Tire, one of our favorite tire brands, has an informational video that shows tread depth measurement here.

Proper tire pressure is determined by the tire size and the type of vehicle you drive.

How Tire Pressure Is Measured

Tire pressure can be checked with most tire gauges, which are inexpensive and easy to use. 

If tire pressure gets too low, such as going from tire pressure of 30 psi to 10 psi. Tire tread depth decreases, and tire pressure will drop even more. 

If tire pressure gets too high (over tire pressure listed on tire). It can cause stress cracks and heat which causes tire tread to wear away faster.

Our team of experts will inspect your vehicle and let you know what needs to be done right away so that you do not end up stranded somewhere with a flat tire. We understand how inconvenient it is when something like this happens while driving down the highway at high speeds! That is why we are here for you with honest advice from our friendly staff who care about their customers’ safety more than anything else. So, stop by today before it gets worse!

Visit Merrill Automotive Today for A Free Tire Inspection and Get Back on The Road in No Time at All!  You won’t have to ask yourself why are my car tires leaking air?