Car tyres are an essential part of any vehicle and play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Many drivers may have noticed that their car tyres lose pressure even when the vehicle is not being used. This phenomenon is quite common, and it is important to understand why it occurs and how to prevent it.
There are several reasons why car tyres lose pressure when not driven. One of the main reasons is due to changes in temperature. Tyres are made of rubber, which is a porous material that allows air to escape slowly over time. When the temperature drops, the air inside the tyre contracts, causing a drop in tyre pressure.
Similarly, when the temperature rises, the air inside the tyre expands, causing an increase in tyre pressure. In this article, we will discuss this issue in detail so keep reading for a better understanding of the issue. In the end, we will give you some tips on how to overcome this problem.
Reasons of tyres lose pressure
There are different reasons of car tyres lose pressure when not driven. Here, will be discussed in detail:
Natural diffusion
Due to the natural process of diffusion car tyres may lose pressure when not driven. Over time, the air molecules inside the tyre will gradually diffuse through the rubber, causing a decrease in tyre pressure. This process is more pronounced in colder temperatures and can cause a drop in pressure even when the vehicle is not being used.
Small punctures or leaks
Car tyres lose pressure when not driven due to small punctures or leaks. Even the smallest of punctures can cause air to escape slowly from the tyre, causing a drop in pressure over time. This is why it is essential to regularly check the pressure in your car tyres and inspect them for any signs of damage or wear.
Faulty tyre valve
A faulty tire valve is a common cause of tyre pressure loss. The tyre valve is responsible for maintaining proper pressure within the tire by preventing air from escaping. If the valve is faulty, it may fail to seal properly and allow air to leak out slowly over time.
Weight of the vehicle
Car tyres can lose pressure when not driven due to the weight of the vehicle. When a car is parked for an extended period, the weight of the vehicle can cause the tyres to deform and lose pressure.
This is especially true for cars parked in the same position for an extended period. Regularly moving your car or investing in tyre supports can help prevent this issue.
Tyre damaged bead
The tyre bead is a reinforced rubber ring that is located on the inner edge of the tire, which helps it to grip the rim of the wheel. If the bead is damaged, it may not be able to create a proper seal with the rim, which can cause air to escape.
This can lead to the tyre losing pressure quickly, and may even cause the tyre to come off the rim while driving. It’s important to have any damage to the tire bead inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Quality of the tyres
Another factor that can cause car tyres to lose pressure is the quality of the tyres. Poor quality or worn-out tyres may be more prone to leaks and punctures, causing air to escape more quickly. Investing in high-quality tyres and regularly replacing worn-out ones can help prevent this issue.
Tips To Avoid Tyres Lose Pressure
Car tyres can lose pressure when not driven due to various reasons such as changes in temperature, natural diffusion, the weight of the vehicle, and small punctures or leaks. Here are some preventive measures to avoid car tyres from losing pressure when not driven:
Temperature-controlled environment
One of the most significant reasons for tyre pressure loss is changes in temperature. Therefore, it is best to store your car in a temperature-controlled environment such as a garage or covered parking space to prevent excessive fluctuations in temperature.
Check tyre pressure regularly
Regularly checking tyre pressure is essential to ensure that they are inflated to the recommended level. When tyres are underinflated, they are more prone to punctures and leaks, leading to a drop in tyre pressure. Check tyre pressure at least once a month or before long journeys.
Invest in tyre supports
The weight of the car can cause the tyres to deform and lose pressure when parked for an extended period. Investing in tyre supports can help prevent the weight of the vehicle from causing damage to the tyres.
Inspect tyres for damage
Regularly inspecting tyres for signs of wear and damage is crucial in preventing tyre pressure loss. Look for any cuts, bulges, or cracks in the tyres and pay particular attention to the tread depth.
Use high-quality tyres
Investing in high-quality tyres can help prevent unnecessary punctures and leaks, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
Move your car regularly
If your car is parked in the same position for an extended period, it can cause tyre deformation and lead to a drop in tyre pressure. Moving your car regularly, even if it is just a short distance, can help prevent this issue.
Summary
Car tyres lose pressure for several reasons, including changes in temperature, diffusion, small punctures or leaks, the weight of the vehicle, and the quality of the tyres themselves.
Regularly checking the pressure in your car tyres and inspecting them for any signs of damage or wear is essential to maintaining their performance and safety. Investing in high-quality tyres and regularly replacing worn-out ones can help prevent air from escaping and ensure a smoother and safer ride.
By understanding the reasons behind tyre pressure loss, you can take the necessary steps to prevent it and keep your car tyres in top condition.
FAQs
How can temperature cause a drop in tyre pressure?
Tyres are made of porous rubber material that allows air to escape slowly over time. When the temperature drops, the air inside the tyre contracts and causes a drop in tyre pressure. Similarly, when the temperature rises, the air inside the tyre expands, causing an increase in tyre pressure.
What is natural diffusion and how does it affect tyre pressure?
Due to the natural process of diffusion car tyres may lose pressure when not driven. Over time, the air molecules inside the tyre will gradually diffuse through the rubber, causing a decrease in tyre pressure. This process is more pronounced in colder temperatures and can cause a drop in pressure even when the vehicle is not being used.
Can small punctures or leaks cause tyre pressure loss?
Yes, even the smallest of punctures can cause air to escape slowly from the tyre, causing a drop in pressure over time. Regularly checking the pressure in your car tyres and inspecting them for any signs of damage or wear is essential to maintaining their performance and safety.
How can a faulty tyre valve cause tyre pressure loss?
The tyre valve is responsible for maintaining proper pressure within the tyre by preventing air from escaping. If the valve is faulty, it may fail to seal properly, allowing air to leak out slowly over time.
How does the weight of the vehicle affect tyre pressure?
When a car is parked for an extended period, the weight of the vehicle can cause the tyres to deform and lose pressure. This is especially true for cars parked in the same position for an extended period. Regularly moving your car or investing in tyre supports can help prevent this issue.
What is a tyre bead and how can it cause tyre pressure loss?
The tyre bead is a reinforced rubber ring that is located on the inner edge of the tyre, which helps it to grip the rim of the wheel. If the bead is damaged, it may not be able to create a proper seal with the rim, which can cause air to escape. This can lead to the tyre losing pressure quickly and may even cause the tyre to come off the rim while driving.
What are some preventive measures to avoid car tyres from losing pressure when not driven?
Some prevention measures to avoid car tyres from losing pressure when not driven include storing your car in a temperature-controlled environment, regularly checking tyre pressure, investing in tyre supports, inspecting tyres for damage, using high-quality tyres, and moving your car regularly.