Why Do Tires Lose Air Over Time?
What It Is
Tires gradually lose air pressure even when there are no visible holes or punctures.
How It Works
Air inside a tire is made up of tiny gas molecules.
These molecules slowly pass through the rubber material of the tire.
Why It Happens
Rubber is not completely airtight.
Over time, small amounts of air naturally escape through the tire walls.
Why It Happens Even Faster in Some Cases
Changes in temperature can cause air inside the tire to expand or contract.
This can make pressure loss more noticeable.
Common Examples
- Tire pressure slowly dropping between checks
- Seasonal pressure changes
- Spare tires losing air while unused
What to Know Next
All tires lose air gradually, even when they are in good condition.
Closing Summary
Tires lose air over time because air molecules slowly pass through the rubber material of the tire.