What can cause low Tire Pressure?

[s0me0nesmind1]

Other than a leak of course.....

Every winter when it actually gets cold - I know it can affect your tire pressure, so I make it a habit annually to check my tire pressure around that time.

I check all the vehicles - and what I've noticed is I'm getting a lot of low-pressure on my tires. My 2006 Acura TSX fronts/rears are supposed to be 32/30 PSI and I was getting everything from 10 psi to 20 psi depending on the tire.

Yet, my mother in law who stays with us - I check hers on a 2015 Ford Fiesta and it's perfectly fine every time I've checked them.


Just wondering if there is something I'm not doing right?

 

[BoomerD]

It's not uncommon for tires to leak off .5 to even 2 PSI per month. Valve stems, bead/ wheel imperfections, etc.

 

[ondma]

Yea, sounds like the air is leaking out. I think alloy wheels are especially prone to this in changing temperatures. Might be worth it to have the rims cleaned and the tires remounted.

 

[KentState]

You are looking at a 15 year old car at this point and depending on where you live, the rims are probably not making a tight seal against the tire. Are they aluminum rims and original to the car?

 

[mindless1]

Valve stem is pretty easy to check (really any sources are) with soapy water, and there's corroded rims, hardened/aged tires not sealing well at the bead OR slowlly leaking out micro-cracks in the sidewall that you can't even see until you get a flat and the bulge of the tire reveals them, at which point of flexing the sidewall that much they get much worse so if they are older don't let them get any lower than possible...

... tho' with winter coming on, if they are older this is a good time to replace them.

 

[RLGL]

Because tires are what they are it is a recommendation to check them once a month. As stated earlier in the thread, it is not uncommon to loose pressure. This even happens with new tires on a new car.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

You are looking at a 15 year old car at this point and depending on where you live, the rims are probably not making a tight seal against the tire. Are they aluminum rims and original to the car?

They are the same rims I've always had, no idea off the top of my head if its steel or aluminum? Whatever was normal for a 2006 heh?

Never would have thought rims would have mattered for this kind of thing.


Was overall just curious why I'm getting such vast differences - sounds like the older a car is the more susceptible it is to air loss in the tires? The tires themselves aren't even very old.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I'm wondering if ambient temperature changes might have something to do with the OP-cited phenomenon. I have my tires filled with Nitrogen from my longtime tire dealership under the warranty they provide for my (old) tires. Supposedly, Nitrogen helps hold up the freshly-renewed pressure.

I live in So-Cal. Temperatures seem obscenely hot in July or August, and can fluctuate at other times, as with the last couple weeks when it may have seemed to be in the high 50's F in the mornings -- other times or in the afternoon as high as 80+F.

For instance, I've been tracking oil leaks in my old (forum-legendary) Trooper since I first attended to staunching the leak from the engine drain-plug or when I first added a couple ounces of Blue Devil to the tranny's Dexron-III. There may be a drop or two of either fluid on my drop-pan a day after the SUV has been driven, and drop-pan accumulations over a week or so amount to a hand-shaped smudge on a clean paper-towel. But when ambients are high and then suddenly go low, the oil-pan collection for the tranny is more than just a couple drops. Maybe -- a half thimble-full, or a whole one. Checking the tranny two weeks ago, it was over-full. But I notice this ambient-temperature effect anyway.

So how might ambient changes affect tire pressure or incremental leakage?

 

[RLGL]

I purchased a new set of tires a year ago in late summer from Costco. They were filled with nitrogen. In early December the low tire pressure light came on. Temperature definitely affects tire pressure. The temp swings from -25F to 100F depending on the season here in Minnesota. I have to adjust tire pressure several times a year.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You only check tire pressures annually? You should check more often than that.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

You only check tire pressures annually? You should check more often than that.

Good advice all the way around. But I avoid doing it, because re-inflating the tires with my electric-pump (car-cigar-lighter) device will put ordinary air in tires filled with nitrogen gas.

I "eyeball" the tires with an idea of how they're supposed to bulge just a little bit at the bottom on the pavement. About every six months, I run them down to the tire reseller to have them refreshed with nitrogen.

A leak or a puncture? That's something else. That's where you don't care about introducing regular air into a nitrogen-filled tire. You just "do it".

 

[Meghan54]

Good advice all the way around. But I avoid doing it, because re-inflating the tires with my electric-pump (car-cigar-lighter) device will put ordinary air in tires filled with nitrogen gas.

I "eyeball" the tires with an idea of how they're supposed to bulge just a little bit at the bottom on the pavement. About every six months, I run them down to the tire reseller to have them refreshed with nitrogen.

A leak or a puncture? That's something else. That's where you don't care about introducing regular air into a nitrogen-filled tire. You just "do it".

Yeah, putting that 78% mix into your tires is oh, so bad! LOL!

On the other hand, I check my tires a few times a year. But I've already assessed how much they leak down in X amt. of time when I first put the tires on. If they lose none over a few months, the impetus to check weekly/monthly becomes less. On the other hand, if they show they will chronically lose X psi each month, then they get checked monthly at least. Have had sets of tires do both.....lost small but consistent amounts of air or really never lose air, like the Michelins I currently have on my truck.

 

[pcgeek11]

Good advice all the way around. But I avoid doing it, because re-inflating the tires with my electric-pump (car-cigar-lighter) device will put ordinary air in tires filled with nitrogen gas.

I "eyeball" the tires with an idea of how they're supposed to bulge just a little bit at the bottom on the pavement. About every six months, I run them down to the tire reseller to have them refreshed with nitrogen.

A leak or a puncture? That's something else. That's where you don't care about introducing regular air into a nitrogen-filled tire. You just "do it".

Why do you run Nitrogen in your tires?

When regular old air you breath is approx 78% Nitrogen anyway.

Did you buy into the myth that there is less leakage with nitrogen or that it prolongs the life of the rubber?

The outside of the tire is still exposed to regular old 78% nitrogen air.

Top 4 Myths Vs Facts About Using Nitrogen To Inflate Car Tires

Want to know if it's better to use compressed air or nitrogen to inflate your car tires? Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision and possibly even save you money.

www.aaa.com

Myth: Nitrogen does not leak from tires as quickly as compressed air, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure for a longer time.


Fact: Tires naturally lose small amounts of pressure over time whether they are filled with compressed air (oxygen) or nitrogen. If a tire has a major leak, air is likely escaping through the valve or punctures in the rubber, or from where the tire mounts to the wheel. In these cases, both oxygen and nitrogen escape at the same rate.


Myth: Nitrogen is not affected by temperature changes, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure regardless of climate.


Fact: Tires filled with nitrogen maintain inflation pressure longer than compressed air-filled tires in fluctuating temperatures. This is why nitrogen is used to fill airplane tires, as temperatures can change dramatically between takeoff and landing. Since nitrogen does not completely eliminate temperature-related pressure changes under normal driving conditions, it is of little benefit to vehicle owners who properly maintain their tires.


Myth: Using nitrogen in tires makes them “maintenance free” so there is no longer any need to check the tire pressures.


Fact: The opposite is true. Even tires filled with nitrogen still require regular pressure checks to identify slow leaks. It is also a good practice to visually inspect tires for cuts, tears, bulges and tread wear, or other signs of impending tire trouble.


Myth: The lack of oxygen and moisture in a tire filled with nitrogen reduces the potential for chemical deterioration of the tire liner, and limits the possibility of rust and corrosion on the wheel.


Fact: Compressed air systems at most tire shops have moisture separators that limit the amount of water vapor in the compressed air supply. Limiting water vapor protects the tires and wheels as well as a shop's expensive air-powered tire mounting and installation tools. In relation to the number of vehicles on the road and the total number of tires sold annually, the occurrence of tire and wheel damage caused by moisture is not sufficiently widespread to justify any special concern.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Moisture content of the air is a larger contributor to pressure changes. Nitrogen is usually dry.

Water condensing out during cooling and evaporating during heating cause larger pressure swings.

Summer fill ups have more moisture in the air vs cool or cold winter.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Good advice all the way around. But I avoid doing it, because re-inflating the tires with my electric-pump (car-cigar-lighter) device will put ordinary air in tires filled with nitrogen gas.

I "eyeball" the tires with an idea of how they're supposed to bulge just a little bit at the bottom on the pavement. About every six months, I run them down to the tire reseller to have them refreshed with nitrogen.

A leak or a puncture? That's something else. That's where you don't care about introducing regular air into a nitrogen-filled tire. You just "do it".

That is not a good way to judge if your tires are correctly inflated at all and having a mix of air in with your nitrogen filled tires is way safer than having them underinflated.

Personally, I've never used nitrogen in any of my car or motorcycle tires and I drive a high performance car. There just isn't any need.

 

[Torn Mind]

Buy 3M silicone paste and tell your tire shop to lube up the valve stem before install.

Nitrogen gas is a waste.

Newer rims are painted on the inside.

 

[ondma]

Why do you run Nitrogen in your tires?

When regular old air you breath is approx 78% Nitrogen anyway.

Did you buy into the myth that there is less leakage with nitrogen or that it prolongs the life of the rubber?

The outside of the tire is still exposed to regular old 78% nitrogen air.

Top 4 Myths Vs Facts About Using Nitrogen To Inflate Car Tires

Want to know if it's better to use compressed air or nitrogen to inflate your car tires? Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision and possibly even save you money.

www.aaa.com

Myth: Nitrogen does not leak from tires as quickly as compressed air, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure for a longer time.


Fact: Tires naturally lose small amounts of pressure over time whether they are filled with compressed air (oxygen) or nitrogen. If a tire has a major leak, air is likely escaping through the valve or punctures in the rubber, or from where the tire mounts to the wheel. In these cases, both oxygen and nitrogen escape at the same rate.


Myth: Nitrogen is not affected by temperature changes, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure regardless of climate.


Fact: Tires filled with nitrogen maintain inflation pressure longer than compressed air-filled tires in fluctuating temperatures. This is why nitrogen is used to fill airplane tires, as temperatures can change dramatically between takeoff and landing. Since nitrogen does not completely eliminate temperature-related pressure changes under normal driving conditions, it is of little benefit to vehicle owners who properly maintain their tires.


Myth: Using nitrogen in tires makes them “maintenance free” so there is no longer any need to check the tire pressures.


Fact: The opposite is true. Even tires filled with nitrogen still require regular pressure checks to identify slow leaks. It is also a good practice to visually inspect tires for cuts, tears, bulges and tread wear, or other signs of impending tire trouble.


Myth: The lack of oxygen and moisture in a tire filled with nitrogen reduces the potential for chemical deterioration of the tire liner, and limits the possibility of rust and corrosion on the wheel.


Fact: Compressed air systems at most tire shops have moisture separators that limit the amount of water vapor in the compressed air supply. Limiting water vapor protects the tires and wheels as well as a shop's expensive air-powered tire mounting and installation tools. In relation to the number of vehicles on the road and the total number of tires sold annually, the occurrence of tire and wheel damage caused by moisture is not sufficiently widespread to justify any special concern.

Have to somewhat disagree with your first point. The nitrogen molecule is larger than the oxygen molecule, so nitrogen will theoretically leak more slowly through the pores of the tire. That said, in actual usage the difference is probably not significant.

 

[pcgeek11]

Have to somewhat disagree with your first point. The nitrogen molecule is larger than the oxygen molecule, so nitrogen will theoretically leak more slowly through the pores of the tire. That said, in actual usage the difference is probably not significant.

"That said, in actual usage the difference is probably not significant."

We agree then.

 

[mike8675309]

Ambient temperature changes the tire pressure the most. If you find you are losing pressure all the time and have alloy wheels on a new vehicle, there could be a porosity problem in the alloy and you should get in contact with the dealer. If you are losing pressure all the time and have alloy wheels on an older vehicle, corrosion may have built up on the bead retainer of the rim that eventually put pressure on the tire and allows air to escape. You will need to go to a tire shop where they take the tire off the wheel, and remove the corrosion from the wheel, then put the tire back on.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Wow . . . a lot of posts addressing my "100% Nitrogen" preference.

I might agree more or less that I should be doing more than "eyeballing" the tire-bulge to determine if this or that tire is low. But -- I run the car down to the tire-reseller to have them checked for pressure and gassed up with N2 if necessary -- twice annually. It's free.

That is, it's free given the warranty limits on the tires, and the discretion of the reseller. The reseller won't repair an out-of-warranty tire for a puncture, or service it in any way. But my reseller service manager reserves some right of discretion. I think my tires were purchased in 2014 . . . Lemme check the spreadsheet . . . Yeah . . . that was only 17,000 miles ago over six years. All-terrain steel-belted radials.

Last June, I ran the car into the reseller's shop inquiring about replacement options: I'd been looking at a set of Michelins for about what I'd paid for the Coopers. The day's manager told me that I had plenty of life left on these six-year-old tires -- "Not to worry!" he said. Then he put the gauge on the tires and gave them shots of N2 as needed. They seem to have confidence in my loyalty as an old customer -- I couldn't say.

I suppose there are two ways of looking at tire replacement. There's the mileage you can get out of them, and there's a simple accounting depreciation on the purchase. In addition to miles, you are purchasing the potential and advantage of simply being equipped with good tires over some period of time. So I have no reservations about replacing tires with -- say -- 20,000 miles of wear, if I've been running them for six years.

"Lincoln's head" is something like 1/8". Even with 1/4" to 3/8" of good tread, there's a real difference between that level of wear and a pair of tires less than a year old and less than 10,000 miles, when it comes to cornering, holding the road, performance on slick, rainy road surfaces.

Even so, some posters' remarks reminded me that I want to purchase a newer, better electric tire pump to put under the passenger seat of my Trooper. The one I'm using is about 25 years old. Still works, but slow. I just want a new one. Damn things probably cost less than $50. I'll have to look again. Any recommendations? Even "less than $100" would be a good "investment" given the service the old one has provided . . .

 

[pete6032]

Other than a leak of course.....

Every winter when it actually gets cold - I know it can affect your tire pressure, so I make it a habit annually to check my tire pressure around that time.

I check all the vehicles - and what I've noticed is I'm getting a lot of low-pressure on my tires. My 2006 Acura TSX fronts/rears are supposed to be 32/30 PSI and I was getting everything from 10 psi to 20 psi depending on the tire.

Yet, my mother in law who stays with us - I check hers on a 2015 Ford Fiesta and it's perfectly fine every time I've checked them.


Just wondering if there is something I'm not doing right?

The mounting of the tire matters a lot, (IE age of the tire matters a lot). I had old tires that leaked like mad, once I got new tires I hardly lost any PSI.

 

[ElFenix]

The fuck are you not checking your tires every month? If you don't have per tire PSI on the dash it takes 2 minutes to take the gauge out of your glove box and check all four tires.

Nitrogen is bullshit, just put air in it. The free machines at Costco put in air not nitrogen. That's despite the fact that Costco sells the nitrogen tire bullshit. The only reason they do that is to get you to come back to the store and maybe buy another 100 pack of toilet paper.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Nitrofill, also known as Nitrosteal, is BS, as mentioned already.

Couple that with the fact that you're not getting 100% nitrogen anyway. The machines make it in the low 90's. So maybe 14% more than the air you breathe.

The "moisture inside the tire" always makes me laugh, too. Who's ever had a tire rot from the inside? Or a rim rust out from the inside? I'll take "Nobody" for a billion, Alex.
No tire in the history of tires has been damaged by water exposure, inside or out. They'll wear out LONG before that could ever happen, even theoretically. And if you just parked it and never drove it, they'd dry rot before any water damage could occur.

And next time I need to drive my truck up to 30,000 feet like an airliner does, I'll be sure to have nitrogen in my tires, LOL.

So yeah, it's totally a waste of money. When you buy nitrogen filled tires, you're really just buying a road hazard warranty, which is usually sold with the nitro fill.

Just check your tires at least monthly. Weekly would be better.

 

[Thump553]

Wow, I feel I'm negligent if I check the pressure less than once a month.

Underinflated tires wreck your gas mileage, and wear substantially faster.

 

[ondma]

Wow, I feel I'm negligent if I check the pressure less than once a month.

Underinflated tires wreck your gas mileage, and wear substantially faster.

I love newer cars with TPMS sensors that read out the pressures on the dash. I live in Minnesota and dont have a heated garage. Nothing was more fun than trying to check tire pressures on a 0 deg F day, freezing your hands and risking having the valve stick open and deflate the tire.