Slow punctures may not be as easily noticeable, yet can still present problems for drivers. They typically result in their tires losing air pressure over an extended period of time and must be addressed as quickly as possible to maintain safe driving conditions.
If you notice an unusually sudden shift in vehicle handling, such as drifting or pulling to one side, this could be a telltale sign of slow puncture.
1. Keep an eye on your tyre pressure
Slow punctures occur when air pressure in your tires gradually decreases over time, compromising their performance over time and negatively affecting steering response and braking capabilities. A slow puncture can significantly decrease driving experience by making roads feel rougher or impairing steering response/braking performance.
This type of puncture can be caused by nails, small particles of glass or corrosion on the tyre valve; or by an improperly functioning valve or being damaged in a pothole.
Slow punctures often go undetected for months at a time, so it is vitally important that you regularly inspect and monitor the pressure of your tyres as well as check for damage to prevent slow punctures from developing and ensure that driving your car remains both safe and comfortable. By taking this time-consuming measure you will help prevent slow punctures from developing, thus making sure it stays that way!
2. Check the condition of your tyres
Continued driving after an initial puncture can result in further damage, costly repairs and compromised handling and safety. You can reduce this risk by conducting regular inspections and frequently monitoring tyre pressures.
Tyres with slow punctures contain small holes that leak air over an extended period, making it hard to detect until it has deflated significantly. A pressure gauge may help, though an auto-check by a garage may provide greater peace of mind.
Do not rely on visual inspection, however, as tyre pressures fluctuate based on weather conditions and driving habits. A tyre that appears low but actually contains plenty of air poses a serious safety risk that will compromise steering and comfort of your car.
3. Avoid sudden manoeuvres
Slow punctures are slow tyre punctures that develop gradually over time when their structure has become compromised, often making them hard to detect and may result in sudden tire failure at high speed. They are difficult to spot but should be addressed as quickly as possible as failure will be imminent otherwise.
Signs of slow punctures often include steering wheel sensations that feel heavier and harder to control than normal; this could indicate either loss of tyre pressure or changes to vehicle handling characteristics.
One common sign is when your vehicle begins to drift or pull to one side. To test this, find a safe straight road where there’s little traffic and slowly loosen your grip on the steering wheel; if your car begins pulling to one side as soon as you do this, that is an indicator that tyre pressure levels have fallen in one or more tyres.
4. Check your tyre tread depth
Make it easier than ever to check the tread depth of your tyres using a tread depth gauge – available from most car accessory shops – by inserting its “foot” into an existing groove and pressing down until it rests on one of the raised ribs of your tire, before pressing on its shaft until reading the measurement, which typically measures in 32nds of an inch or millimeters.
Tyres are your sole point of contact with the road, and even slow punctures can threaten its safety. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to detect slow punctures compared with standard ones! Take the ‘penny test’: drop a penny into your tread and if George Washington can be seen standing tall on top, your tread depth exceeds 2/32″. If this test succeeds then your tread is safe!
5. Check your tyre pressures more often
If one of your tyres seems to be losing air more quickly than its peers, this could be an indicator of slow puncturing. Checking pressure regularly with a pressure gauge may help detect issues sooner.
An slow puncture can significantly impede vehicle handling, stability and braking performance – making driving more difficult while increasing the risk of costly accidents.
If you suspect a slow puncture, it is crucial that it is addressed as quickly as possible. A professional assessment can prevent the issue from worsening and save on replacement costs. If you need any assistance or have any queries please reach out – we are more than happy to assist!
6. Avoid potholes
Potholes are one of the most damaging road hazards, often resulting in significant vehicle damage. Potholes can damage tires, suspension and undercarriage of cars – repairs for which can often be expensive!
When driving at slow pace, try to steer clear of potholes as much as possible. If that proves impossible, drive through them at an angle to minimize impact on your vehicle.
Be wary of puddles as they may hide potholes. Additionally, remember to use your hazard lights and give enough space between vehicles as sudden swerving can cause collisions. Report any dangerous potholes immediately so they can be repaired as soon as possible.
7. Check your tyre pressures more often
Even though it can be tempting to ignore slow punctures, doing so could actually be more risky and more costly than you realize. Driving on partially inflated tyres will significantly hinder handling, stability, and braking performance as well as worsening existing damage – potentially necessitating replacement rather than repair.
Slow punctures typically result from driving over sharp objects, wheel corrosion or impacts from potholes, often going undetected until low tyre pressures or vibrating steering wheels become noticeable. By regularly checking tyre pressures you can detect these issues sooner; if your tread wear is dropping consistently this could indicate slow puncturing issues.
