Even while you will not be stuck, a tire that loses 10 psi overnight is still a major nuisance. It can also be deadly depending on what is causing the leak.
On the plus side, you can typically simply patch a little puncture at home if that is the source of what is occurring. However, it is still helpful to be aware of all the potential causes, so before we go into the specifics of addressing each one, let us provide a short overview.
Your tire losing 10 psi overnight is likely due to a punctured tire with an object remaining inside, such as a bolt or a nail. If that is not the case, it can be a worn tire, a damaged wheel, or a tire valve.
In any event, we will describe how to find the precise offender, how to resolve each issue, and how much it will cost to do so in a repair shop.
Tire Puncture
A tire will often collapse in a matter of seconds after being pierced. However, it often occurs that whatever punctured the tire stays within, preventing the tire from losing air as quickly. The nail or bolt will probably be located within the tread, making repair work simple. If so, consider yourself fortunate since you can resolve this problem at home for almost no money.
So, to begin, you must first identify the puncture. To accomplish so, take the wheel off and search the tire for a visible nail or other object lodged there. If you are unsuccessful in your search, moisten the tread with soapy water and check for bubbles. Here’s how to fix the tire once you have located the puncture and removed whatever was inside.
How to Repair a Puncture
Because a plug repair kit, like the one seen above, can last forever, it is the best method to patch a flat tire. I have used them for years and have never once had an issue.
- Locate the puncture
- To clean the hole, use the beaded handle; a few pumps in and out are sufficient.
- Take the plug and insert it through the second handle’s hoops. The plug may be forced through such that two-thirds of it protrudes from one side and one-third from the other.
- Insert the plug into the hole until the shorter portion passes through but, the larger portion protrudes.
- After that, remove the access plug by cutting it off the tire.
- Reinstall the tire on your car and blow it up now.
Damaged Tire
Although a damaged and punctured tire sound similar, they are not the same. A damaged tire has a scratched, sliced, bulging, or damaged tire wall. Therefore, if you recently curbed your wheels, this is probably the cause of your issue.
The only option in this situation is to replace the tire since the tire wall cannot be repaired. Additionally, replacing the tires in pairs per axle is a good idea if they are older. To ensure that there is nothing else that is causing the issue, test this for leaks with some soapy water before you do that.
Old Tires
Before a tire’s tread wears down, they typically last three years. It is crucial to realize that tires have a shelf life even if they still have a lot of treads. In other words, as tires age, they will get harder and begin to break. And even though these little fractures may not seem to be doing anything, they will eventually begin to leak.
As before, you may test the tire with soapy water, but if you find any cracks, it is time for new tires. In addition, you should be aware that a leak cannot be fixed. Therefore, replace any worn-out and cracked tires for your protection and the safety of other drivers.
Damaged Wheels
Either a damaged wheel is twisted or curbed if it is releasing air. However, unless you experience some vibrations while driving, it is quite impossible to detect a bent wheel. But even so, the likelihood that this is the cause of your issue is high if you recall that you just struck a pothole, and your tire pressure began to decrease. Additionally, testing this with soapy water is not difficult since the leak will be found on the rim where the tyre meets the wheel.
And if it turns out that your wheel has damage, your best option is to switch it out for another wheel, either new or old. You probably will not need a new tire, but it is also a good idea to check if the collision was severe enough to harm the wheel. In addition, you may want to examine the alignment of your vehicle and the various suspension parts.
Leaking Tire Valve
The tire valve is often disregarded when looking for leaks, yet it occurs more frequently than you may expect. The valve is constructed of rubber, much like tires. Thus it has a shelf life and is susceptible to damage from maintenance or minor accidents. Fortunately, changing a tire valve is inexpensive and simple.
To test it first, spray soapy water on the valve and the area around the bottom where it joins the wheel. After removing the dust cover, the water should then be sprayed into the valve. You will need to repair the valve stem if the leak is coming from it. You should expect to pay anything from $10 to $30 for it at your neighborhood tire store.
In contrast, if the problem is with the Schrader valve, which is located within the valve, you may quickly repair it at home. A new Schrader valve and just a Schrader valve screwdriver are all required. Install the new valve when it is prepared and remove the old one. However, before taking it off, ensure the wheel is raised since if the Schrader valve is removed, all of the tire’s air pressure will escape.
Can You Still Drive on a Punctured Tire?
No, driving a vehicle with a flat tire and a puncture is not safe since doing so would only result in more damage. It is safe to drive with a minor puncture that may maintain tire pressure as long as you check the tire pressure often enough to prevent it from dropping below safe limits.
Can a Punctured Tire Be Fixed?
A punctured tire may be repaired, but only if the damage is to the tread and not the sidewall. Additionally, a sliced tire cannot be repaired. However, if the damage is just minor—say, the size of a nail—it should be rather simple to repair.
What Is the Lifespan of a Punctured Tire?
Correct tire repair may extend the life of a punctured tire to match that of an unharmed tire. Additionally, the puncture normally does not enlarge with time, so if you often supply air, you may continue driving without fixing it.
How Much Will a Tire Hole Fix Cost?
Depending on where you reside, it might cost anything from $10 to $30 to repair a tire hole. But you may quickly repair the puncture at home using a plug kit, which will not save you more than $10. Additionally, the kit may be used again.
Should You Replace or Repair Your Tires?
It is preferable to replace a tire if it has a hole in the sidewall or is beginning to crack due to age rather than fix one with a tiny to medium puncture on the tread since doing so is less expensive and will not cause you any problems in the future.
Is It Better to Patch or Plug a Car Tire Hole?
In my opinion, fixing a tire puncture is preferable to seal it. The plug is simpler and less expensive to install, and it will function flawlessly simultaneously with your other tires. However, repairing the tire is preferable if the hole is larger and the plug cannot seal it.
Do Tires Naturally Lose Pressure?
Yes, tires naturally lose pressure with time, and the major reason is the weather. When the temperature outside drops, the air in your tyres naturally compresses, causing a drop in tyre pressure. However, it is also typical for tires to lose roughly five psi of air once or twice a year.
How Frequently Should You Boost Your Tires?
It suffices to just fill your tires with air when the low tire pressure warning light illuminates since almost all current automobiles are equipped with TPMS sensors. However, checking your tire pressure every two months is a good idea if your automobile does not have TPMS sensors. When it becomes cooler, check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
Conclusion
In the end, you probably have something caught in your tire if it loses 10 psi overnight or comparable. That might be glass, screw, bolt, nail, etc. As a result, you should remove your tire and check it for debris as soon as possible. You may also spray some soapy water on the wheel to detect the leak more quickly. The tire may then be fixed at home using our advice.
If you are unsuccessful in your search, you may be faced with a damaged wheel, tire, worn-out tires, or a damaged tire valve. And if you recently struck a curb or a sizable pothole, one of them is probably the cause of your issue. However, you may always find the leak with soapy water.