3 Reasons for Sudden Drops in Tyre Pressure

Ensuring that your tyres are at the correct tyre pressure is crucial in extending the lifespan of your tyres and maximising your safety on the road. Therefore, you should take care to check your tyre pressure on a regular basis, especially before a long or difficult journey.

If you notice that your tyres seem unable to maintain the correct tyre pressure, there might be something bigger going on than simple wear and tear. By identifying the reason for your sudden drop in pressure, you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem and get your car safely back on the road.

Keep reading to discover some of the most common reasons for sudden drops in tyre pressure.



Changes in temperature

Tyre pressure can contract when cooled and expand when heated, meaning your tyre pressures can become either underinflated or overinflated depending on the weather. It is estimated that tyre pressure can drop by as much as 2% if the temperature decreases by 5.5°C - and vice versa when the temperature increases.

The fact that tyre pressure can vary by something as simple as the weather is one of the reasons why it is vitally important to check your tyres before you embark on a long drive, particularly in cold weather. You should not only check the tyre pressure but also inspect for any rips, slashes, or bulges in your tyres.

Escaping air

It may go without saying that your tyre pressure will drop if air is escaping somehow. However, this is something that can easily go unnoticed as it often happens very gradually.

One of the ways that air can escape is through a faulty tyre valve. If this is the case, your tyre will probably reach the correct tyre pressure upon being pumped up, but it will then gradually begin to deflate as air escapes.

Another way in which air might escape your tyres is through osmosis. This essentially means that the air slowly escapes through the rubber of the tyre, so it can be very hard to identify.

Checking your tyre pressure regularly is a good way to ensure that you notice gradual changes in tyre pressure that aren’t just caused by regular use.

Punctures

Having a puncture in just one of your tyres can lead to significant tyre pressure loss - around 4 PSI per day, in fact. The average recommended tyre pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI, so losing 4 PSI a day is a pretty big deal. Regularly checking your tyres for damage is one of the only ways to ensure your car is puncture-free.

If you’re in need of new tyres or tyre repair in Aylesbury, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Acorn Tyres and Servicing, we’re proud to stock an extensive range of brand new tyres from the world’s leading manufacturers. Ensure that your car is safe to drive today. Get in touch with us for more information about our services.