A slow tyre puncture is the gradual loss of air in a tyre over time. Regardless of whether your vehicle is driving or parked, the air pressure in your affected tyre will continue to decrease until the car is undriveable.
You can learn more about general tyre safety here.
What can cause a slow puncture?
The most common cause of a slow puncture is driving over small debris such as nails and screws. While larger objects can trigger an instant flat tyre or even a blowout, small and sharp fragments can go easily unnoticed as air escapes the tyre. Be wary of potholes or hitting kerbs as they can cause sidewall damage, also leading to the slow release of air.
Another cause of a slow tyre puncture is a damaged or faulty valve stem. The self-contained chamber is used to maintain internal tyre pressure, but if the valve stem is broken then air can slowly leak out.
The improper maintenance of your vehicle can also lead to slow tyre punctures if your service schedule is irregular. Cracked, bulging or damaged tyres can damage the entire structural integrity of the tyre. A build-up of rust may also cause gaps between the tyre and wheel and slowly release air. As older tyres are more susceptible to damage, change your tyres every 6 years or around every 20,000 miles, to avoid problems like slow punctures.
How long can I leave a slow puncture?
The time it takes for your tyre to run flat due to a slow puncture can really depend. Generally, a slow puncture can continue to leak air unnoticed for days or even weeks. However, it is not recommended that you should drive with a slow tyre puncture. Driving can cause air to leak faster and the decrease in tyre pressure will negatively impact handling, braking and overall vehicle stability. Driving on a damaged tyre can also cause further complications.
What are the signs of a slow tyre puncture?
Signs of a slow puncture and the gradual loss of tyre pressure can include drifting across the road, a ticking noise, and vehicle vibrations (particularly across the steering wheel). Other indicators are the visual changes within the tyre such as misshaped structure, sagging, a clearly embedded nail, and uneven tyre wear to the edge. Your dashboard may also display a TPMS fault symbol, meaning tyre pressure sensor fault.
Can I get a tyre puncture fixed?
Punctured tyres can be repaired if the puncture hole’s diameter is less than 6mm. However, if the puncture is in the sidewall (the major repair area), the tyre will have to be replaced. This is because the sidewall carries the majority of the weight, and if the repair patch detaches, it can lead to tyre failure. Also, if the tyre has been previously repaired or is considered old, it’s likely worth just getting it replaced.
Be sure to keep up to date with your MOT and scheduled services for optimal tyre performance.
Tyre checks
To get the condition of your tyres checked, why not book in with your local Halfords garage for a free tyre check. One of our expert technicians will check your tyre pressure, tread depth, and offer free, friendly advice.
For puncture repairs, our experts can fix most damages and will carry out checks of the interior and exterior condition of your tyre. And with Halfords Motoring Club and your free membership, you unlock an included 10-point car check which tests your tyres tread and pressure, as well as many other car parts.
At Halfords, we also stock tyre puncture kits for at-home repairs and our expert colleagues can advise you on how best to use them. For all your tyre-related needs, visit Halfords.com today.
