Lack of Air
Loss of tire pressure could be as simple as there not being enough air in the tire. A tire typically loses about one pound of pressure per month.
To determine whether a tire needs more air, you can measure the current tire pressure with a tire gauge. If it turns out that there’s not enough air in the tire, you can re-inflate it with air from a pump, a portable tank, or another device.
Consult the owner’s manual of your INFINITI or look for the tire sticker on the driver’s side door frame to ensure you’re properly inflating the tires. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI. Car manufacturers typically recommend 30 to 35 PSI.
Leaky Tire
Your tire pressure also may be low because a tire is leaking air. Leaks are often caused by a puncture; for instance, a nail may have gotten wedged into the tire tread.
Fixing a leaky tire may be as easy as getting the tire patched, depending on where it stems from. If a patch won’t work, then you’ll need to get new tires for your INFINITI.
Bent Wheels or Rims
When a wheel or rim is bent, it can cause air to escape from the tire. Furthermore, a bent wheel or rim can severely damage a tire. If you suspect a bent wheel or rim on your INFINITI is triggering low tire pressure, one of the experts at your nearest INFINITI service center can repair or replace the culprit.
Worn-Out Tires
Just like other parts of your INFINITI, the tires experience wear and tear. As time goes by, the tires lose their ability to hold air. If your tires are old, have been heavily used, or have worn-down tread, this could lead to a loss of tire pressure.
In this scenario, it’s likely time to purchase some new tires. If your tires have worn out earlier than expected, take some time to make sure you find the right tires for your INFINITI to replace them.
Changes in Temperature
Fluctuations in temperature also can trigger a loss of tire pressure. This becomes a greater issue during cold weather. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, a tire loses about one pound of pressure.
If the tire pressure is too low, it’s time to re-inflate them to the appropriate level. However, you may be able to prevent low tire pressure when the temperature falls by keeping an eye on the tire pressure. It’s generally recommended you check the tire pressure at least once a month and even more often during cold weather.
One sure sign that the tire pressure has declined to a potentially dangerous point is if your INFINITI’s TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) light comes on. This light goes on when the tire pressure has gone down by at least 25 percent of what is recommended for your INFINITI.
The Dangers of Low Tire Pressure
Ignoring low tire pressure can lead to trouble down the road. Among the issues that can arise due to low tire pressure are:
- Reduced braking distance.
- Uneven tire wear due to the edges wearing out faster than the center.
- Less responsive steering and handling
- Generation of heat from excessive flexing of the tire sidewalls. This heat can speed up the wear of the tire tread or, worse yet, cause a tire blowout
You need your tires to be in good shape to get you from Point A to Point B, and this means maintaining the right tire pressure. Shop new tires for your INFINITI and find INFINITI tire compatible parts at
INFINITI Parts & Accessories.