Slow Punctures, What's Happening!?

The UK is slowly heading back to normality with most waving their kids off to their first day of school in nearly a year. But, one crucial thing that's stopping most people arriving on time is their tyres! As it's 'not important' or 'interesting', most people forget about their tyres until it's too late. With the recent months being an eclectic mix of warm and bitterly cold days, more and more people are encountering slow leaks on their vehicle's tyres although they may not know this unless they check their tyre pressures regularly. Whether it be a nail that's finally reared its head after being hidden for some time or damp seeping into the bead of the wheel causing slight corrosion and this a slow leak. All these things are happening with relatively little attention!

We recently headed out to a customer with a beautiful NSX in Winnall who has been dealing with a slow puncture for a number of days. Unlike most NSXs, this customer opted to use the car as a daily driver through winter, very brave considering the lack of driver aids and being rear wheel drive! Although, the customer had managed to source a set of winter tyres for the vehicle so grip in snow and ice would be several times better compared to summer tyres which start to harden below 7*C as the silicone compound is lower compared to a winter or true all-season tyre!

Upon arrival to the customer's location, we inspected all four corners to ensure there were no signs of unusual wear patterns (see blog about this here), punctures or any other oddities. After the inspection, which would be recorded in a document and sent to the customer after completion, the Honda was jacked up carefully and the offending wheel removed. Before removing the tyre and performing the repair, we first need to locate what is going on! We first inflate the tyre to its normal working pressure then soak the tyre in solution of soap and water. Air escaping will create small bubbles (or large depending on the puncture size) and from there we can locate the issue. Bead seal issues will present themselves with air escaping from the contact point between the tyre and rim.

With this knowledge in mind, we can deflate the wheel and remove the tyre. The bead was inspected and as thought, there was some slight corrosion on the rim. Using a wire brush, the area was cleaned back then a thick layer of bead sealant (a thick rubber compound) applied liberally. This will ensure that air is not able to escape from the area again. Although, as the rubber moves during a drive, air will naturally work it way out in minute increments.

Bead seal complete, the tyre was re-installed back onto the rim and, pressurised and then balanced for a final time! We then do a further leak test to ensure any repair is effective. From here, the wheel was installed back onto the car and the nuts hand tightened. Once lowered to the floor, the nuts could be torqued in a star pattern to the correct setting!

If you're encountering a slow puncture, balancing problem or need a winter to summer tyre swap over, why not give us a call on 0333 444 5454 or send an enquiry to info@hometyre.co.uk!