If you’ve noticed that one of your tyres keeps losing air pressure, you likely have a slow leak. This can be frustrating, as it requires frequent trips to the air pump to keep your tyre properly inflated. But more importantly, driving on an underinflated tyre is dangerous – it can lead to poor handling, increased wear, and even a blowout.
As a mobile mechanic with My Auto Shop, I’ve seen my fair share of slow leaks. In this post, I’ll walk you through the symptoms and causes of a slow leak, what’s involved in repairing it, and why My Auto Shop is the best place to get your car fixed.
Symptoms and causes of a slow leak
The most obvious symptom of a slow leak is a tyre that keeps losing air pressure. You may notice that you have to add air to the same tyre every few days or weeks. If you have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the warning light may come on when the pressure drops below a certain level.
There are several potential causes of a slow leak:
- Puncture from a nail, screw, or other sharp object
- Damaged or corroded valve stem
- Leaks around the tyre bead or wheel rim
- Normal wear and tear, especially on older tyres
What is involved in repairing a slow leak
To repair a slow leak, the first step is to identify the source of the leak. This can be tricky, as the leak may be very small. Some methods to find the leak include:
- Visual inspection for obvious punctures or damage
- Listening for a hissing sound
- Applying soapy water and looking for bubbles
- Removing the tyre and submerging it in water to spot escaping air
Once the leak is located, the repair method depends on the cause:
- For a puncture, the tyre can often be patched from the inside or plugged from the outside, as long as the puncture is in the tread area and not too large
- A damaged valve stem will need to be replaced
- Leaks around the bead may require the tyre to be removed, inspected, and reseated on the wheel
- If the tyre is worn out or has sidewall damage, it will need to be replaced
Cost of slow leak repairs in New Zealand
The cost to repair a slow leak in New Zealand varies depending on the cause and the shop you visit. Here are some rough estimates:
- Tyre patch or plug: $20-40
- Valve stem replacement: $25-50
- Tyre replacement: $75-200 per tyre
Keep in mind these are just estimates – the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific vehicle and location.
Why My Auto Shop is the best place for slow leak repairs
At My Auto Shop, we understand the importance of properly inflated tyres for safety, performance, and fuel economy. That’s why we offer convenient mobile tyre repair services at your home or workplace. Our experienced mechanics will quickly diagnose the cause of your slow leak and recommend the best repair option.
We pride ourselves on upfront, transparent pricing, so you’ll know the cost before any work begins. And with our strong Google rating, you can trust that you’ll receive top-notch customer service.
Don’t let a slow leak slow you down – book an appointment with My Auto Shop today and let us take care of it for you!