Air Leaks
If a tire constantly requires at least 1-2 psi of additional air each month to maintain proper pressure, have a professional automotive technician examine it for a potential air leak. Perhaps the leak source is a damaged valve stem, wheel rim, or the tire itself. A properly functioning tire/wheel assembly should maintain consistent pressure.
Air leaks are identified by removing the tire and submerging it in special tank. Small bubbles indicate the source of the leak. If a leak occurs in the sidewall, it cannot be patched and the tire must be replaced. A small tread puncture may be fixed with a rubber plug. All leaks should be repaired from inside the tire and thus must be performed by a professional.
Note that tires will lose 1-2 psi of pressure for each 10° F. decrease in climate temperature. Therefore, it may be necessary to add air to tires during the winter season to keep them adequately pressurized as the outside temperature falls. This pressure loss should not be confused with air leaks. Similarly, tires will gain the same amount of pressure with each 10° F. increase in climate temperature during the summer season.
SYSTEMS
TIRES
TIRE PRESSURE CHECK PROCEDURE
TIRE PRESSURE LEVEL