If you woke up to find your car tire flat overnight, only to see it holding air again later, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can leave many drivers puzzled.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind this strange phenomenon and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Why is Tire Went Flat Overnight But Now Holds Air?
Now let us know in detail the reasons behind a tire going flat overnight, so that you can get rid of the problem of slow air leakage from the tire.
#1. Changes Temperature
Changes in weather and temperature can also cause fluctuations in the air pressure in vehicle tyres.
If your vehicle is parked in cold weather and the weather temperature drops significantly overnight, it can cause the vehicle tyre pressure to drop and cause the vehicle tyre to go flat.
#2. Puncture or Leak
Often, a puncture or leak in a vehicle tyre can also cause a tyre to go flat overnight. If the tyre has a small puncture, it will go flat gradually. So if the puncture or leak is small, the tyre may have air in it for some time before it goes flat again.
If your vehicle tyre is repeatedly going flat even after filling it with air, the tyre should be checked by a professional and repaired if needed.
#3. Bad Tyre Valve Stem
In most cases, a bad tyre valve stem can cause a vehicle tyre to go flat overnight. The tire valve allows air to enter the tire and prevents the air pressure in the tire from leaking out.
But sometimes the tire valve becomes loose or damaged and then the air starts leaking from the tire, causing the tire to gradually shrink and the tire becomes flat.
#4. Incorrectly Installed Tire Bead
In vehicles, the tire bead is the edge of the tire. The tire bead fits on the rim of the wheel. If the tire is not properly installed on the rim, the tire bead may not seat properly, causing the air to escape and the tire to gradually lose air pressure.
However, if the tire bead is displaced only slightly, the air may remain in the tire for some time and then the pressure may be lost again.
#5. Bent Tire Rim
In many cases, the tire rim of a vehicle gets bent due to one reason or another. Often the tire rim gets bent due to the tire falling into a sudden pothole or hitting something during the high speed of the vehicle.
Due to this, air slowly starts leaking between the tyre and rim of the vehicle and if the vehicle remains parked overnight, the tyre becomes flat.
What to Do If Your Tire Goes Flat Overnight?
Check for Visible Damage – Check for nails, screws or other debris in the tread. Also check the sidewall for cracks, bulges or cuts.
Check For a Leak With Soapy Water – Mix dish soap with water and apply it to the surface of the tire, valve stem and bead area and watch for bubbles to form, which indicate a leak.
Check the Rim and Bead Area – Remove the tire and inspect the wheel rim for rust or debris. Then clean the bead area and reinstall the tire if necessary.
Monitor Tire Pressure – Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure continuously for a few days. If the pressure drops again, consider a professional inspection.
Seek Professional Help – If the problem persists, visit a tire shop for a thorough inspection. A professional can diagnose hidden leaks or structural problems.
Is it Normal For Tires To Lose Air Overnight?
The rate at which vehicle tires lose air overnight depends on a number of different factors. Losing air from a worn vehicle tire can be a normal process.
Flattening of a vehicle’s tire depends on the age of the tyre, temperature changes, driving habits, and road conditions. But if your vehicle’s tires are new and still your vehicle’s tire is getting flat at night, then it can become a matter of concern.
Because the reason for the new tire being flat overnight could be a tire puncture, a big cut in the tire or the tire rim being bent, etc. In many cases, roads with sharp edges and strewn debris can damage new tyres. So for this, one should investigate the reasons for the vehicle tire losing air.
What Can You Do To Prevent Tires Went Flat Overnight?
You should regularly check the air pressure in all tires to prevent a flat tire.
Check the tire rim; if the tire rim is warped in any way or has fine cracking, it should be repaired or replaced.
Make sure that there are no pieces of glass or nails in the tire of the vehicle. Because it can cause the air to slowly leak out of the tyre.
Avoid using excessively worn or weak tires
Drive carefully on a road with stones and scattered debris.
Take care of the rotation of the tires from time to time, as without rotation for a long time, air may leak out.
The tire valve stem should be checked regularly, as a loose or worn tire valve stem can also cause air to leak out of the tire.
Signs of a Bad Tire That Might Go Flat
Visible cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns.
Persistent loss of air pressure despite reinflation.
Vibrations or pulling to one side while driving.
What Happens If You Drive With A Flat Tire?
Loss of Control
Increased Risk of Blowout
Damage to Wheels and Suspension
Fuel Inefficiency
Driving with a flat tire can cause serious damage to your vehicle and put your safety at risk. The tire itself can also be irreparably damaged, as the sidewall can burst or the rubber can overheat and break apart into pieces.
If you continue to drive, the wheel can also be damaged, the rim can bend or even crack, leading to costly repairs.
In addition to tire and wheel damage, the vehicle’s suspension and alignment can also be damaged. The extra stress caused by a flat tire can throw off alignment, making steering more difficult and potentially damaging other suspension components.
It also causes loss of vehicle control, making handling unpredictable and increasing the risk of a crash. Stopping distances are longer, and braking effectiveness is reduced.
Another major risk is that the flat tire can completely disintegrate, causing additional damage to the fender, undercarriage, or surrounding components. In many cases, a blown rubber can create a dangerous situation on the road, putting you and other drivers at greater risk.
Instead of driving on a flat tire, the best solution is to stop immediately in a safe place. If you have a spare tire, the flat tire should be replaced as soon as possible. If this isn’t an option, calling for roadside assistance is the safest option.
What is Tire Flat Spots?
Flat spots on vehicle tires form when a vehicle stands in one position for a long period of time, causing a localized depression in the tire rubber. In most cases, this tire spot is more common in vehicles parked in cold temperatures or for extended periods of time.
Because when the vehicle is parked in one position for a long time, the weight exerts pressure on one part of the tire and causes it to deform, which can lead to vibration and uneven tire wear on flat spots while driving. So driving the vehicle regularly or maintaining proper tire inflation can help prevent tire flat spots.
My Tire is Completely Flat What Do I Do?
If your vehicle’s tire is completely flat while traveling, stop the vehicle on the side of the road or in any other safe place.
Next, locate and remove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench from your vehicle.
Lift the car using a jack, remove the flat tire using a lug wrench, and fit the spare tire.
After this, tighten the lug nuts of the tire rim in a crisscross pattern.
Lower the car to the jack, re-tighten the lug nuts, and store the flat tire, jack, and tools.
If you do not have a spare tire or jack, drive the vehicle carefully to a service station for tire repair or replacement.
However, driving a vehicle with a flat tire for long distances can damage the tire and rim.
Conclusion
In most cases, a damaged or worn-out tire valve can cause a slow air leak, leading to a flat tire overnight. Other possible causes include a worn-out tire, a sharp object like a nail or glass, or a bent rim that prevents a proper seal.
FAQs
If a tire bursts, is it ruined?
If the tire is not inflated to support the weight of your vehicle or does not have enough air, it can lead to ‘tire damage’ and render the tire beyond repair.
Can I drive 10 minutes on a flat tire?
If your vehicle’s tire is flat or punctured in an emergency, you can take the vehicle slowly to the tire puncture repair shop. But it is never recommended by the tire manufacturer to drive a vehicle with a flat tire. Doing so may cause additional damage to the tires and rims of your vehicle.
Why did my tire go flat overnight but hold air later?
Your tire may have gone flat overnight due to temperature fluctuations, a slow leak, a bead seal issue, or a minor puncture that temporarily sealed itself. Cold temperatures can reduce air pressure, making the tire appear flat, but as temperatures rise, the pressure increases, and the tire regains its shape.
How do I check for a slow leak in my tire?
To check for a slow leak, inspect the tire visually for punctures, cracks, or sidewall damage. Perform a soapy water test by applying a soap-and-water solution to the tire surface, valve stem, and bead area—if bubbles form, there’s a leak. You can also monitor tire pressure over a few days to see if it gradually drops.
Can I drive if my tire was flat overnight but seems fine now?
While your tire may hold air now, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly before driving. A hidden puncture or slow leak could cause another deflation while driving, increasing the risk of a blowout. If in doubt, have the tire professionally inspected to ensure it is safe to use.
Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.
