Having a slow puncture on your car can be a real pain and some people put up with simply inflating the tyre every week to save money. However, you run the risk of the tyre wearing more than normal if it deflates quicker than other tyres, plus it could increase your stopping distance and the potential of an accident! Without getting it checked you could also find yourself paying for a new tyre sooner than you need to. This article provides some of the causes of slow punctures to help you diagnose the issue.
How quickly do you get the slow puncture?
It’s good to work out the frequency of the tyre’s slow puncture. If you’re finding that the tyre needs attention every week and there is a noticeable 10 psi difference between the other tyres then it’s good to get it checked quickly by a tyre garage for your own safety. Otherwise if it’s only going down by 1-2 psi every week, then you can continue to use the tyre but make sure you get it seen to as soon as you can.
Biggest cause of a slow puncture? The tyre valve
There can be a number of conditions to a tyre that can make it deflate slowly. Firstly and one of the most common issues can be the valve of the tyre itself. Faulty valves can cause air to leak slowly but can be easily be repaired cheaply and you may even be covered by warranty if you’ve only just had a new tyre installed. Sometimes placing some water around the valve can produce air bubbles – a clear giveaway that the air valve is faulty.
Faulty tyre through bad manufacturing
As much as manufacturing processes have improved over the years there can always be faults from time-to-time with car tyres. Whether it’s thin rubber in one area of the tyre or simply a minute hole in the tyre, it can be frustrating but the sooner you get it looked at the better. Of course this problem can affect any make of tyre but it’s true to say that more expensive and quality tyres are less likely to have any faults due to their extra checks.
Alloy wheels causing slow puncture
You may find that the cause of your puncture if you have alloy wheels are the rims themselves. Over time whether it’s corrosion, pot holes or hitting kerbs you may find that your alloy wheels are damaged and allow air to escape from the tyre. A good tyre garage can help diagnose this issue for you and if they are unable to repair it completely you may need to look at a new wheel altogether.
Poor tyre seals could produce a slow puncture
When you get a new tyre fitted there is a sealant placed across the rim of the tyre to help prevent any air escaping. Sometimes this can be done incorrectly or over time the seal just wears away. When getting your tyre checked for a slow puncture this is one common measure taken by a garage to resolve the issue.
Should you find your car being the victim of a slow puncture, don’t let it get you down. We’d be happy to fit you in and get it looked at and if you need a scheduled service soon then it’s an even better time. Please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01761 415 501 to book your slow puncture appointment.