Car tire resting on a driveway with slightly low air pressure

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.

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