Discovering a flat tire on your car in the morning can be a frustrating experience. Not only does it delay your plans for the day, but it can also be a safety hazard.
There are a number of reasons why a tire went flat overnight, from a simple puncture or air leakage to a damaged valve stem.
When you’ve experienced a flat tire overnight, it’s important to understand the potential causes and take the necessary steps to address the issue.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why a tire may go flat overnight and offer tips on how to avoid this inconvenience in the future.
Why Did My Tire Go Flat Overnight?
There are several reasons why a tire deflated overnight, including punctures, air leakage and improper PSI, broken rim/valve, or worn-out tires.
Sometimes, it can be due to external factors like repair errors or temperature changes.
Below is our more detailed list of several possible reasons.
Tire Puncture Or Air Leakage
Tire punctures or air leakage can be a common cause of a flat tire that occurs overnight. These fractures can be caused by various sharp objects on the road, such as nails, screws, or glass.
Over time, tires can also develop small leaks due to wear and tear, leading to slow air loss and, eventually, a flat tire overnight.
Improper Tire Pressure
Your tires’ sidewalls and treads experience more stress when you drive with the wrong tire pressure, whether underinflated or overinflated tire by 5 PSI and more, causing uneven tread degradation.
As a result, your tires may wear out more quickly and run the danger of having a puncture due to the additional pressure placed on them. When this occurs, air might escape, causing the tire to flat.
Defective Valve Step
Valve stems are responsible for sealing the tire to the wheel and provide the means for filling and adjusting tire air pressure.
Suppose your tire valve stem is damaged or has a leak; it can cause air to escape from the automotive wheel, leading to low pressure or a flat tire.
Wear And Tire On Tires
One of the reasons why a tire goes flat overnight is wear and tear. Tires are more prone to cracks, dents, and other damage as they deteriorate and wear out.
The damage may eventually cause a tire leak, resulting in an overnight flat wheel.
Broken Rim
Suppose your tire loses air, but no leak is found; it might indicate that you have broken rims. When the rim is damaged or cracked, it allows air to seep out of the tire, leading to a flat tire.
The tire’s seal may break when the rim is damaged, allowing air to leak from the tire.
Repair Malfunction
We always take our tires to a repair shop to have them fixed when they sustain some repairable damage. Still, sometimes damage during tire repairs may happen.
For instance, punctures or holes can be repaired permanently by curing the rubber part to close the tire’s wound. But occasionally, the tire’s mended section would deteriorate, and the issue will return.
Temperature Change And Extreme Humidity
Extreme temperature changes, especially from hot to cold, can cause the air in the tire to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure.
Excessive humidity, on the other hand, can cause moisture to build up in the inflated tire, leading to wheel or valve stem corrosion. This can cause air leaks and lead to a tire deflated overnight.
Is The Overnight Air Lost In Tires Normal?
Yes, with a small amount.
A certain amount of air loss in tires overnight is normal and expected.
According to Bridgestone, It’s estimated that tires can lose up to 1 PSI (pound per square inch) of pressure per month, which can be attributed to various factors, such as temperature changes and permeation through the tire’s rubber material.
Additionally, a small amount of air loss can occur overnight due to the contraction of air in the tire as the temperature cools.
However, if the tire loses more than 1 PSI per month, it may indicate something is wrong with your car, like a puncture or a leak in the valve stem.
When you notice your tire losing air faster and more frequently than usual, bring it to a repair shop and let the professional do some inspections.
Potential Damages Of Leaving Your Car Sit On Flat Tires
Leaving your automobile sitting on defective tires can cause potential damage to both the tires and the vehicle itself. Here are the most common consequences you will meet.
Damage Wheel
A damaged wheel is one of the probable damages of leaving your car on flat tires.
When a tire is flat, the weight of the vehicle sits on the wheel’s rim, causing the wheel to deform, shatter, or misalign over time.
This can lead to uneven tire wear and can affect the handling and stability of the car.
Suppose the wheel is exposed to this situation for a long time; it may become irreparably damaged. In this case, you will need to get the vehicle to a repair shop for replacement, which will be quite costly.
Deteriorate Tire
It’s bad enough to leave a car running with a flat tire, but it’s considerably worse to do so in poor weather conditions.
You can hasten the tire’s natural degeneration process when you leave the automobile with flat tires in an area with often changing temperature and humidity levels.
Let’s say they are deflated. The inner layers of the tire are much more easily exposed when the wheel pinches the tire, hastening the tire’s degeneration.
Crack Tire Sidewall
In terms of the tire’s utility, the sidewall is the area that is most susceptible to damage. This implies that depending on their location, various sorts of damage and flaws are either greater or less severe.
Deflated tires can experience sidewall tension and pinching when the weight of the automobile falls on them, which can cause fractures to form.
Plus, leaving your car sitting on flat tires can also cause damage to the tire’s tread and belt. This can lead to further problems down the road.
Corrode Metallic Parts
Car tires contain unique metallic compounds that help the tire maintain its shape and keep all of its layers firmly cemented together at all times.
For this reason, tires are equipped with steel belts and brass, copper, or steel beads that serve the same purpose.
The metal components of the tire may be exposed to moisture and other external factors when it is deflated, leading to rust and corrosion issues.
This may weaken the metal over time and make it brittle, resulting in more harm to the automobile tire or even its failure.
How To Change A Flat Tire
Changing a flat tire can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s not too difficult. Here is a complete step-by-step instruction on how to change a tire completely flat overnight.
- Step 1: Find a safe and level area to change your tire and turn on your hazard lights.
- Step 2: Apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Step 3: Locate the spare wheel, jack, and lug wrench in your vehicle’s trunk.
- Step 4: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire while the car is still on the ground, but do not remove them completely.
- Step 5: Place the jack in the designated area under the vehicle and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground.
- Step 6: Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire.
- Step 7: Mount the donut one on the wheel hub and fasten the wheel lug nuts by hand, but do not fully tighten them.
- Step 8: Lower the vehicle with the jack until the spare tire is on the ground.
- Step 9: Fasten the lug nuts with a star-pattern lug wrench.
- Step 10: Inspect the tire pressure of the spare tire and adjust it if necessary. And you are done!
Keep in mind that you should only change the tire on your own if you are comfortable with doing the task and have all the needed tools.
On the contrary, in case you have never done this before, it is best to have a professional handle the job for you. This way, you can ensure it is completed effectively to maintain safety for you and others.
How To Avoid Tire Getting Flat Overnight
Below are a few tips that you can follow to prevent getting a new tire flat overnight.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, at least every month, and before any long trips.
- Ensure the pressure is at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Regularly examine your tires for any wear and tear, punctures, or cuts.
- Replace your tires when they are worn or damaged as soon as possible.
- Avoid driving over debris or potholes.
- Avoid aggressive driving techniques such as abrupt braking, quick turns, and other actions that can stress your tires and raise the possibility of a blowout.
- Park your car in a garage or covered area to protect your tires from extreme temperatures.
- Consider using tire sealants or inflators to temporarily repair a flat tire until you can get it properly repaired or replaced.
- If you suspect having a slow leak in your tire, get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Tire Replacement?
The tire replacement cost can vary depending on several factors, including the size, tire type, brand, and area you live in. On average, a single tire replacement can cost anywhere from 50 to 300 dollars.
Still, keep in mind that the cost may increase when you have high-end tires or require additional services such as wheel alignment or balancing.
Can I Continue To Drive With A Flat Tire?
Technically, you can, but it is not advisable. Doing so can harm the wheel and rim, impair your car’s handling, and potentially result in a tire blowout or loss of control.
In this situation, it is best to pull over to a safe location and replace the tire with a spare or call roadside assistance.
How Long May A Flat Tire Be Left On A Car?
In general, a flat tire should be replaced or repaired within 24 hours of being noticed to avoid any safety hazards or long-term damage to the tire and vehicle.
Still, it’s recommended to replace or repair the tire as soon as possible to prevent further problems or even accidents.
The Bottom Line
Tire went flat overnight is a common issue that many car owners have to experience.
When you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to address the matter as soon as possible to prevent potential damage to your vehicle.
By following some of the preventative measures we discussed, such as regular tire maintenance and checking for tire punctures, you can reduce the risk of waking up to a flat tire.
