Why is my tyre pressure low?
16 October 2024
Tyre pressure influences many aspects of your car’s performance. From road safety and handling to fuel economy and the overall driving experience, having the correct tyre pressure can prolong the lifespan of your tyres. But how do you know when your vehicle’s tyre pressure is low?
Discover the reasons why your car has low tyre pressure with our helpful article.
A puncture
Tyres can sustain many types of punctures, causing your tyres to lose pressure.
Slow, gradual punctures can go unnoticed for several days or weeks, leading to your tyre losing air. They can be caused by sharp objects like glass or nails hitting the tyre while driving. A slow puncture can cause your tyre pressure to drop by up to three pounds per square inch (PSI) per day. However, a more severe puncture can cause an instant tyre blowout
Faulty or damaged valves
Over time, your tyre valves can become faulty or damaged, leading to air escaping from the tyre. If you have damaged or faulty tyre valves on your vehicle, visit your local Setyres branch. Our tyre technicians can inspect and replace the valves on your car’s tyres.
Ageing tyres
Tyres will become more permeable with age. If your vehicle has old or second-hand tyres, there is an increased risk of the tyre deflating or blowing out. We recommend replacing tyres on your vehicle that are five years old or more to maintain your car’s safety and performance.
Damaged tyre beads
The bead fits into a groove on the wheel to form a seal. The bead can be compromised by an object being lodged between the wheel and the bead, causing air to escape from the tyre.
Driving over potholes or hitting a kerb can also damage the wheel rim and can affect the seal of the tyre and cause it to deflate. Check your wheels regularly for signs of damage. Practising regular tyre care means any potential damage to your car’s tyres is found and fixed before they develop into more serious issues.
Osmosis
Osmosis refers to how air exits the tyres slowly through the tyre’s rubber walls. Once you’ve inflated a tyre, air will slowly escape from the tyre, affecting your car’s overall performance. Naturally, car tyres will lose about one to three PSI each month from osmosis. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to check what the recommended PSI should be and regularly check the pressure using a PSI reader to ensure the tyre pressure is maintained. If the PSI is unusually low the cause is unlikely to be due to osmosis. Knowing the causes behind why your tyre pressure is low ensures your car is safe and road-legal to drive.
Are you new to buying tyres for your vehicle? Our guide covers everything you need to know about buying new tyres. You can browse our tyre collection online. Alternatively, you can contact our experienced and helpful team about the products and services we offer in our South of England garages today.