Reasons why tyre pressure can drop

Author Name – Jack Underwood

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Ensuring that your tyres are at the correct tyre pressures is extremely important, not only to maximise your safety when driving but to also ensure that your tyres can last as long as possible. Driving with underinflated tyres can increase the risk of a tyre blowout. Under-inflated tyres also are more susceptible to tyre punctures which may lead to you needing a tyre repair or even a new tyre.

reasons why tyre pressures drop

It is important that you check your tyre pressures on a regular basis, especially before a long drive. You can check your tyre pressures using a tyre pressure gauge or even a tyre inflator. Tyre inflators are an excellent purchase that can be kept in your car at all times.

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It is important that you realise the reasons why tyre pressure is dropping in your tyres. By identifying these reasons, you can extend the life of your tyres and most importantly maximise your safety when driving.

Why you are experiencing a loss of tyre pressure

Changes in temperature

Changes in temperature can affect the tyre pressures within your tyres. Tyre pressure can contract when cooled and expand when heated, meaning your tyre pressures can become either underinflated or overinflated. If the temperature increases by 5.5°C the tyre pressures can be raised by 2%.

If the temperate decreases by the same amount, your tyre pressures can be reduced by 2%. This is why it is vitally important if you are about to head for a long drive, especially in cold temperatures, to check your tyres before you drive. Not only checking the tyre pressure but also being aware to check if there are any rips, slashes or bulges within the tyre tread.

Damage to the tyre bead

As a tyre gets older, the tyre bead may degrade over time. A damaged tyre bead can lead to a loss of air pressure. This is another reason why you should never purchase part worn tyres.

If your wheel alignment is incorrect, this can also cause excessive damage to the tyre. To have your wheels aligned, click the link below.

Wheel Alignment

Issues with tyre valve

If you have a faulty tyre valve, this can allow air to escape. This means that when you pump up a tyre, you may get this to the correct PSI, however, over time air will escape and you will see a loss in tyre pressure.

Puncture/Slow Puncture

Checking your tyres on a regular basis is vital if you want to have that peace of mind that your car is safe. If one of your tyres has a puncture, this can lead to a tyre pressure drop of around 4 PSI per day. If your car has been registered as a SORN, once you drive your vehicle again, you will definitely need to inspect your tyres for any punctures. Slow punctures can be harder to identify, however, this will lead to reduced tyre pressures. If you think you have a tyre puncture or a slow puncture, then you can book into your local National branch for a free tyre safety check.

To book a FREE safety check, please click on the button below.

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Osmosis

Osmosis is difficult to identity however put simply, it results in the air within the tyre exiting slowly through the rubber walls of the tyre. This is not a quick process, however, if your tyre pressure isn't checked for a substantial period of time, this could result in a lack of tyre pressure.

How to maintain tyre pressure at the correct level

  • Regularly check your tyre pressures using a tyre inflator or tyre pressure gauge
  • Drive safely, at the correct speed limit and watch out for any potholes
  • Check your tyres before any long journey, inspect for any debris or nails in the tyre

If you are unsure of what the correct PSI of your tyres should be then you can find this out by clicking on the green button below. All you need is your vehicle registration and you will be able to find out your tyres' correct tyre pressures online.

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