Flat tires don't always happen quickly or with a major blowout. Sometimes, tires lose air slowly, and it takes a few days or weeks for you to notice. Because a leaking tire puts you at risk for a blowout and affects the vehicle’s handling and gas mileage, monitoring the air pressure and getting repairs or new tires is vital for your safety. Since it can be challenging to identify a slow leak, here are some of the most common causes. 

Why Tires Get Slow Leaks 

1. Puncture

Roads are filled with potential hazards, from nails and screws to broken glass and even sharp rocks. Although the rubber is designed to resist damage, any time you drive over something sharp, it can puncture the tire. 

In many cases, the puncture doesn't cause a flat, especially if the debris gets stuck in the treads. Instead, it causes a slow leak. A puncture doesn't necessarily mean you need new tires, as a tire shop can often remove the debris and repair the rubber with a patch.

2. Damaged Valve Stem 

Valve stems are part of the wheels or rims on your tires and allow you to add or remove air. Whenever you get new tires, the valve stems are replaced as well because they can become damaged or corroded due to time and driving conditions. 

A damaged valve stem will cause a slow, constant leak from either the body of the stem or the base where it meets the tire. It may be possible to replace a damaged valve stem but invest in new tires if your current ones are very old or starting to show signs of wear. 

3. Damaged Mounting Surface 

The area where the tire is mounted to the wheel is called the bead. When damaged, air will leak out as the tire pulls away from the wheel. The bead can be damaged by corrosion that occurs over time, or by hitting a curb or pothole with the side of your tire. If you hit an obstacle hard enough to bend the wheel, it's more likely you'll have a blowout and need a new tire, but a slight bump will damage the bead enough to cause a slow leak or a bubble on the tire. 

If you have a slow leak in one of your tires, make an appointment at Phil’s Tire Shop to have it repaired or get new tires. Serving Franklin County and St. Louis County, MO, since 1994, this tire store offers high-end used and new tires and fast, reliable service that gets you back on the road as soon as possible. To schedule a service or inquire about their inventory, call (314) 544-3181 today or visit the website for service details and testimonials. You can also find more helpful tire maintenance tips on Facebook.