Automotive Part PickerCar Problems › Tire looks visibly flat or low on air

Tire looks visibly flat or low on air: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing tire looks visibly flat or low on air, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Tire Punctureurgent

A sharp object has pierced the tire tread, causing a slow or rapid air leak. This is the most frequent cause of a flat tire.

Leaking Valve Stem or TPMS Sensor Sealaddress soon

The valve stem core is loose, or the rubber seal at the base of the TPMS sensor has degraded. This often happens if the TPMS service kit isn't replaced during new tire installation.

Tire Bead Leakaddress soon

Corrosion on the wheel rim or improper cleaning prevents the tire from sealing perfectly against the wheel, allowing air to escape slowly.

Bent or Cracked Wheel Rimurgent

Hitting a severe pothole or curb can bend or crack the wheel, breaking the airtight seal with the tire.

Sidewall Damage or Structural Failureurgent

The side of the tire has been slashed, bubbled, or blown out due to impact, severe age, or driving on it while severely underinflated.

Related problems

Not sure which it is? Run the full AI diagnosis →