Leaking Tires?

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that ever come in contact with the road (hopefully.) As a result, they also bear the brunt of every pothole and loose nail in the road, not to mention the wear and tear of supporting a moving vehicle that weighs over a ton. At National Brake & Muffler in Griffin, we offer solutions to your tire problems that avoid replacing them if possible, getting you the most value out of your tires. Why throw an otherwise good tire out, if all it needs is a simple repair?

At some point or another, you’ve dealt with a leaking tire. You know the hassle of monitoring your air pressure and stopping at a gas station every few days to air a tire back up. There are a variety of reasons a tire leaks air, most of which can be fixed for just a few dollars, in just a few minutes.

Valve Stems

While not exactly part of your tire, the valve stem is the rubber valve on the wheel, used to inflate the tire. If it becomes cracked, dry rotted, damaged, or stuck, it can slowly leak air, causing your tire to go flat. Depending on where you get your tires changed, the valve stem is sometimes overlooked, and may be far older than the tire you have installed. Try listening for leaking air around the stem. If your valve stem is leaking, have it replaced - it’s a cheap and easy fix.

Nail/Screw Punctures

Inconveniently, the shape of nails and screws makes it easy for one to lodge itself into your tire. When a tire rolls over one at the right orientation, it angles the point upward, allowing it to push directly into the rubber. Luckily, after the nail or screw is removed, some quick patchwork will have your tire good as new in no time.

Dry Rot/ Wear

This one you can’t do much about. If your tires are so worn or dry rotted that they are leaking, it’s time to have them replaced. New tires will not only put your mind at ease, they will dramatically increase the ride quality, handling, and safety of your vehicle.

To find a leak, there are some simple tricks you can use. First visually inspect the tire for a screw or nail lodged in the tread. Next, listen for leaks. If you hear one, you can sometimes run your hand along the tread and listen for a change in sound to pinpoint the location. Finally, you can mix dish soap and water into a spray bottle, wet the tire, and watch for air bubbles. This method makes it easy to spot even a small leak.

If you have a tire that deflates over time, let our professional mechanics at National Brake & Muffler take a look. One of our technicians will track down the source of the problem, and repair it for you, the right way. If it can’t be repaired, we also keep in stock a wide variety of new tires, and can replace the damaged tire on your car, truck, or SUV. For tire repair and replacement, and all your other repair and maintenance needs, call or drop by National Brake & Muffler today.

_________________

Thank you for visiting National Brake & Muffler in Griffin, GA. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

Schedule your appointment today (770) 228-8888 or REQUEST APPOINTMENT HERE.