One of the most important aspects of car care for every driver is checking their tire pressure and refilling them to the ideal range. This is necessary because your tires naturally deflate over time, and certain conditions may speed up how quickly this process occurs. Whether you’re driving a brand-new or a used car, follow the guide below to find out what impacts your tires.

Why Tires Lose Pressure

Tires are constantly losing air through permeation, or osmosis. This happens due to air passing through the rubber tire structure. The rate at which air will leave the tire depends on the make, model, and age of your new or used car. Different rubber blends can permeate at different rates and intensities. However, tires generally lose one to three PSI (pounds per square inch) each month.

Change in temperature will also affect your PSI, and much more dramatically than permeation. Air is a gas, and when the temperature rises, the particles move more quickly and increase your pressure. This means that as the tire gets colder, it loses inflation. Every 10-degree drop in temperature reduces your pressure by about two percent. This is why checking your tires is necessary more often during the change of seasons.

How Flat Tires Occur 

The most common cause of a flat tire is a puncture by a sharp object, which is often nails or glass in the road. You can prevent this by driving around road debris or being careful in unpaved parking lots. The valve stem is another common issue with a used car. Older wheels will corrode over time, and the valve stem may fail. This is the part of the tire where the air is added or removed. If your tire is damaged beyond repair, head to a salvage yard for a set. 

Another problem is over-pumping, which occurs when you put too much air in the tire. The tire may reach a dangerous pressure, which causes a blowout while driving. Check that you only inflate your tires within the recommended range on the sidewall, as anything above is dangerous. Your recommended tire pressure is typically located on the inside of driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.  

When you need used tires for your car, go to Stewart’s Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT. They carry a wide selection of used auto parts in good condition for affordable repairs. If you want to sell your junk car, they will pay cash for it and send a tow truck for the removal. Learn more online or by calling (860) 379-7541.