What Causes Low Tire Pressure? Everything You Need To Know
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Low tire pressure causes tremendous issues on the road. Not only is it frustrating to determine what’s causing the trouble, but it can also be dangerous on the road. It’s helpful to know what causes low tire pressure. With proper knowledge, you can work to handle the trouble before it gets worse.
If you’re interested in learning more about what causes low tire pressure, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the most common reasons you may note an issue with tire pressure, from bent wheels to temperature shifts. The more you know, the easier it will be to handle low tire pressure.
Bent Wheels or Rims
Bent wheels or rims could be the issue with your tires. If the structure is bent out of place, it won’t be able to hold as much air inside the rubber. It won’t keep the composition in place as it would with one in proper shape, leading to issues on the road. Anyone can encounter bent wheels or rims.
This trouble with shape can occur from the following car-related items:
- Crashes
- Improper installation
- Flawed components
- Poor fixes
Your tire will not be in the proper spot if any of these items impact the wheels or rims.
Issues with structure could cause low tire pressure. They could also damage the vehicle, ripping into the tires as you hit the road. According to chapelhillltire.com, your best action is to take your car to a professional. They will replace your wheels and rims or bend them back into proper shape.
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Sharp Object In the Tire
When considering what causes low tire pressure, the first thing you should check for is a sharp object in the tire. The road can have anything on it. Sharp objects embed themselves in the rubber and create a place for air to escape, lowering pressure in the tire. Some punctures cause slow leaks, while others push all the air out in a large burst.
According to carschtuff.com, here are the most common things that get inside tires:
- Nails
- Rocks
- Metal trash
- Glass
These can cause issues with tire pressure.
If you get a sharp object in your tire, it’s critical to remove, patch, and refill your tire. Those who know about cars will have no trouble completing this process. Those without much experience should take their vehicle to a professional to complete the procedure and avoid damage.
Temperature Shifts
Temperature changes are another reason you might notice a low tire pressure indicator on your dash. According to oards.com, cold air is denser than the warmer variety. When the air drops in temperature, the cold air inside tires compresses and becomes smaller. The pressure decreases in each one.
If your tires are okay when it’s warm but on red alert when it’s chilly, the weather is to blame. It’s critical to consider how long the cold front will last. If it’s an extended time, you may want to add more pressure to your tires.
Remember that the typical tire will drop 1 psi for every ten-degree change in temperature. When you hit the road with these tires, they will rise 3 psi as they heat up due to the friction of driving.
Refill Necessity
Tires need air refills every so often. If it’s been a long time since your last air replenishment, it might be time to head to your nearest pump for a refill. A tire pressure light is a reminder that it’s time to fill up your existing tires to keep them in the best shape for the road.
According to chapelhilltire.com, it’s critical to avoid underfilling or overfilling your tires. Although you can fill them yourself, it’s best to bring your vehicle to a professional for the safest and most accurate air replenishment available. They will ensure you have the proper amount of pressure in your tires to avoid flats on the highway.
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Replacement Need
Sometimes there is more than a refill at stake - it might be time to remove your old tires and replace them with brand-new ones. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, it becomes trickier for tires to keep the air inside. If you notice this issue appearing constantly, it might be time for a change.
If you need new tires, take them to a professional for the best results. They will examine your current ones, determine the best tires for your next selection, and install them for you. Once you have new tires on your vehicle, the air pressure should stay constant for a much longer period.
Recent Rotation or Change
Tires must be rotated and changed throughout the lifespan of the vehicle. If you recently had a tire rotation or replaced your old tires with new ones, the shift could be the cause of your low tire pressure. The vehicle may need to relearn the tires to determine the proper pressure they must sit at on the road.
Most vehicles will adjust if you drive them at a constant speed for at least five minutes. Once you do, the indicator may disappear. Others need a little more work for adjustment. A technician or tool works to recalibrate the system.
It’s critical to take care when investing in used tires. They might not have the proper sensors for your vehicle to understand their pressure.
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Final Thoughts
Many things can cause low tire pressure in a vehicle. Bent wheels or rims, a sharp object in a tire, temperature shifts, needed refills, necessary replacements, and potholes are common troubles. Once you address these, your tires can return to normal as soon as possible.
We hope this information was helpful! The better you understand what causes low tire pressure, the easier it will be to fix the trouble and get back on the road as soon as possible. Most low tire pressure issues can be fixed by hand, but some require a professional to get the vehicle back into tip-top shape.
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