Tyre maintenance is one of the easiest and most important car upkeep jobs to do. Not only are your tyres easily visible but your vehicle will give you plenty of clues if your tyres aren’t in the condition that they need to be. Here’s what you need to know about slow punctures.
A slow puncture is just as it sounds: instead of air rushing quickly from a damaged part of the tyre, it gradually leaks over a relatively long period of time. Because it can take a while for the tyre to completely deflate, it could also take you a while to notice that you have a problem.
Because the air loss in a slow puncture is gradual, you may not notice it visually at first, but if you check your tyre pressure regularly you may notice that one tyre needs topping up more than the others.
How can you spot a slow puncture?
Most newer cars have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which will alert you if your tyre pressure drops below a level defined by the manufacturer. As previously mentioned, regular tyre pressure checks – particularly before you go on a long journey will also alert you to a potential problem. There are some signs that you may notice when driving:
- A bumpier ride than you are used to
- The car drifting to one side even when you are driving on a flat road (without a camber)
- Steering wheel vibrating
- A regular ticking sound while you drive.
If you suspect that you might have a slow puncture but you don’t have a way of measuring your tyre pressure or are not confident to do so, contact your local tyre specialist to get it checked out as soon as possible, and definitely before you go on a long journey or major road.
Is it safe to drive with a slow puncture?
Depending on your tyre pressure and how much air your tyre is losing, it may be safe to drive a very short distance with a slow puncture – for example to your local garage. However, the puncture might weaken the tyre sidewall. This could impact your level of control over the car, leading to increased stopping distances and drifting, which can make driving dangerous. Additionally, a slow puncture can eventually lead to a blow out, which can be dangerous and expensive.
If you suspect that your tyre is losing air, get professional advice as soon as possible. It is possible that you have a faulty tyre valve or that your tyre has been fitted incorrectly, leaving a gap at the rim. If you do have a small hole in your tyre, that is less than 6mm wide and in the centre of your tyre, it is possible that your tyre can be repaired rather than replaced. Punctures bigger than 6mm in diameter or that are located on the outer ¼ of the tyre will need to replaced as they can’t safely be repaired.
The priority is, always, to keep you safe on the roads. If in doubt, ask your local garage. For more advice, follow Trust A Garage on X or Facebook.