Is it safe to drive with a tire with a slow leak?

Driving with a slow leak in a tire is potentially dangerous because it can lead to a puncture. Once a tire becomes flat, it can become dangerous. A blowout could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, resulting in…

Driving with a slow leak in a tire is potentially dangerous because it can lead to a puncture. Once a tire becomes flat, it can become dangerous. A blowout can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, putting yourself and others at risk of a car accident. If you notice that your tires don't hold air as well as they should, or you find yourself constantly pumping air into the tire, your tire may be slowly leaking. It is best to take the tire to a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem and repair the leak and/or tire. There are several ways to test a tire for air leaks.

Here's what to look out for if you feel like one of your tires is slowly leaking:

• One way to check for a leak is to listen for a suspicious tire. Sometimes you will be able to hear compressed air coming out of a small hole in the tire. It will be like a faint hiss. If you hear this, make an appointment with a mechanic to have your tire problem checked and fixed.

• Another way to check if there is a leak in a tire is to run your hand over the entire surface of the tire to feel the air escaping. If you suspect one area, focus by placing your hand on that spot to see if you can feel the air. Chances are if you have a small opening you will be able to feel the compressed air escaping.

• A low psi tire can cause heat to build up in the tire, which can lead to wear and eventually rupture. If a slow leak is left unattended, the entire tire may be lost and will have to be replaced, whereas previously the tire could be fixed with a small patch or plug. The blowout requires a more extensive repair than a relatively simple one would have had you checked for a leak when you first suspected it.

Driving with a slowly leaking tire is dangerous, especially at high speeds. Once a leak is found, the tire should be inspected by a professional. If a tire does fail while driving, causing it to burst, you could lose control of the vehicle and injure yourself and others. If you suspect a tire leak, be sure to have it repaired or replaced by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent something more serious from occurring.