Car trouble · Tires & wheels

My tire keeps losing air

One tire goes low every few days or weeks. There is usually a small puncture or a slow leak at the valve or rim.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. A nail or screw in the tread

    most likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Inflate the tire, then spray soapy water over the tread and watch for growing bubbles. Look closely for the head of a nail or screw.

  2. A leaking valve stem

    possible · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Spray soapy water on the valve stem and around the cap. Bubbles there mean the stem or its core is leaking.

  3. A leak where the tire meets the wheel, or a bent wheel

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Spray soapy water around the edge where the tire meets the metal wheel. Bubbles there, or a visible dent in the rim, need a tire shop.

Be careful

Never get under a car held up only by a jack — set it on jack stands on flat, solid ground and chock the wheels that stay down.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My tire pressure light is onMy car shakes at highway speed
My tire keeps losing air — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns