Learn how bent, cracked, or corroded wheels cause tire pressure loss and when professional repair may solve the problem.
If you’ve noticed that one of your tires keeps losing air, the problem may not actually be the tire itself. In many cases, hidden wheel damage is the real culprit. A bent rim, cracked wheel, or corrosion around the bead seat can prevent the tire from sealing correctly, allowing air to escape slowly over time. While many drivers immediately suspect a nail or puncture, damaged wheels are one of the most overlooked causes of persistent tire pressure loss.
Even a minor impact from a pothole, curb, or road debris can alter the shape of your wheel enough to create an imperfect seal between the tire and the rim. This slow leak may seem harmless at first, but driving with underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency, affect vehicle handling, increase tire wear, and even raise the risk of a dangerous blowout. Professional inspection is the best way to determine whether the issue lies with the tire, the valve stem, or the wheel itself.
