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Tyre Keeps Losing Pressure

A tyre that needs air every few days usually has a slow puncture, a leaking valve or a poor seal between tyre and rim.

High risk

Have it repaired soon. A low tyre overheats and can fail at speed.

Short answer · Why does my tyre keep losing air?

Slow punctures from nails or screws are the most common cause. Valves age and leak, and corrosion on alloy rims can break the seal at the bead. A workshop finds the leak quickly by submerging the tyre or using soapy water.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Check the pressure weeklyMeasure cold and compare with the specification.
  2. Look for nails or screwsCheck the tread carefully.Do not pull out an object from the tread; it may make the leak worse.
  3. Soapy water testBubbles on the valve, tread or rim show the leak.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Is the tyre pressure warning on?Pressure is already low.
  2. Alloy wheels?Corrosion at the bead.
  3. After hitting a kerb?Rim damage.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Slow punctureNail or screw.
  2. Leaking valveOld rubber valve.
  3. Bead leakCorrosion on the rim.
  4. Damaged wheelCracks or bends.

Questions about Tyre Keeps Losing Pressure

Can a puncture be repaired?

Often, if it is in the central tread area and small; sidewall damage cannot be repaired.

Is tyre sealant a permanent fix?

No, it is an emergency measure; have the tyre properly inspected.